Crosses

The sign of the cross is ubiquitous in the Christian world, both as a religious symbol and as a decorative element. In the latter hypostasis, it can be met on the most diverse works of art: paintings and all forms of sculptures, embroideries, veils, curtains and the priestly attire, orphrey and pottery, a.s.o. The crosses are divided into several types, according to the number and position of the arms, and the proportion between the arms and the length of the cross: the Latin cross, the Greek cross, St. Andrew’s cross, the Egyptian cross, the cross of Malta, the Lorainne cross, the papal cross, the Russian cross. As for their destinations, the crosses are divided into two main categories: fixed and mobile. The fixed ones, of large dimensions, are placed on top of the belfry towers, at the head of the Christian graves, at crossroads and near fountains, as roadside crucifixes, as well as on the locations of former churches or of special events worthy to be remembered by such a symbol. The mobile crosses are far more numerous, they are much smaller and have more varied destinations. Among them are the crosses for the sacred tables and the hand crosses; whatever the category which they fall into, and the material they are made of, the crosses may be simple or adorned, with paintings and carvings, bindings, enamels and cabochons, either with only one such decoration,or with all of them, becoming thus true works of art of remarkable value.

The wooden crosses in Romania are carved in various timber, being decorated with miniatures showing biblical scenes, figures of evangelists and apostles, sometimes projected against architectural or natural backgrounds, the details of which achieve perfection. The carved wooden crosses almost always have golden silver bindings, engraved, laced or hammered with floral and geometrical stylisations set with precious and semiprecious stones. Quite often, votive inscriptions are carved on them, mentioning the names of the founders, carvers and goldsmiths.

Although the colllection of crosses at Putna Monastery is not large, its value is inestimable. At Putna is preserved the oldest cross in the Romanian heritage - the hand cross, carved and bound, commissioned, as the votive inscription reads, by Stephen the Great in 1503.


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