Processional Staff with painted decoration, Spain, circa 1700

Object Description

A painted processional staff, the circular panel painted on the front with a depiction of the Christ child, his right hand raised in blessing, his left hand holding an orb surmounted by a cross, the reverse with red carnations on a green ground. Spain, late 17th century, circa 1700

Object History

In Christian legend, the first carnations sprang up from Mary’s tears falling to the earth as Jesus carried the cross and in Greek and Roman times the carnation was revered as the flower of love and the flower of the gods.

Object Condition

Losses to the paint, some flaking now stable, historic wood beetle

Object Details