{"product_id":"catholic-devotional-cross-pendant-marian-iconography-recovered-near-shipwreck-site","title":"Catholic Devotional Cross Pendant | Marian Iconography | Recovered Near Shipwreck Site | Circa 19th Century","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"273\" data-end=\"304\"\u003eHistorical Context \u0026amp; Origin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"776\" data-start=\"657\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"668\" data-start=\"657\"\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Likely France or Italy\u003cbr data-end=\"694\" data-start=\"691\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"707\" data-start=\"694\"\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cast bronze or copper alloy\u003cbr data-end=\"738\" data-start=\"735\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"749\" data-start=\"738\"\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Circa 19th Century (1800s)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"797\" data-start=\"783\" data-section-id=\"rmw5tv\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1007\" data-start=\"799\"\u003eThis striking devotional bronze cross pendant features intricate Christian iconography and was reportedly recovered near a historic shipwreck site along the coast of Nova Scotia in the Canadian Maritimes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1362\" data-start=\"1009\"\u003eThe cruciform pendant displays detailed relief imagery depicting multiple sacred figures arranged across the arms of the cross. At the center appears a seated sacred figure holding a child, most likely representing the Virgin Mary with the Christ Child, flanked by two smaller figures that may represent saints or apostles in devotional posture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1665\" data-start=\"1364\"\u003eThe lower section of the cross features a distinctive oval medallion showing a standing figure surrounded by an aura or mandorla, strongly reminiscent of the imagery associated with Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, one of the most widely distributed Marian devotional symbols of the 19th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1934\" data-start=\"1667\"\u003eA small suspension loop at the top indicates the piece was intended to be worn as a religious pendant or attached to a rosary. Devotional medals and crosses such as this were frequently carried by sailors and travelers as spiritual protection during long voyages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2107\" data-start=\"1936\"\u003eIts discovery near a maritime wreck site raises the intriguing possibility that it may have been lost or carried aboard a vessel operating along the Atlantic trade routes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2125\" data-start=\"2114\" data-section-id=\"1d7mrtu\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Cast bronze cruciform devotional pendant\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Multi-figure Christian iconography in raised relief\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Marian imagery likely referencing the Miraculous Medal tradition\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Suspension loop for wearing on a chain or rosary\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Rich aged patina with surface wear consistent with age\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Found near a historic shipwreck site in Nova Scotia, Canada\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2509\" data-start=\"2485\" data-section-id=\"1oxcnxa\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCultural Significance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2760\" data-start=\"2511\"\u003eReligious medals and devotional crosses were among the most common personal religious objects carried during the 18th and 19th centuries. Sailors in particular frequently wore such pieces as protective talismans while traveling dangerous sea routes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3019\" data-start=\"2762\"\u003eThe imagery present on this example reflects the strong influence of Marian devotion within Catholic Europe, particularly following the widespread popularity of the Miraculous Medal after the apparitions of the Virgin Mary reported in Paris in 1830.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3159\" data-start=\"3021\"\u003eObjects like this served both as expressions of personal faith and as protective charms believed to provide spiritual guidance and safety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3178\" data-start=\"3166\" data-section-id=\"hrykuu\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3326\" data-start=\"3180\"\u003eGood archaeological condition with age wear and surface patination. The relief imagery remains visible and well preserved. Suspension loop intact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3346\" data-start=\"3333\" data-section-id=\"7q4hfq\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3390\" data-start=\"3348\"\u003eHeight: 1.2 in\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3390\" data-start=\"3348\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"132\" data-start=\"85\"\u003e140 – 190 years old\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn More\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLearn about the tradition of \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"What Is Marian Devotion? – Visitation Project\" href=\"https:\/\/visitationproject.org\/pages\/what-is-marian-devotion\"\u003eMarian Devotion in Christianity\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse our \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"Religious and Spiritual Relics – Relic \u0026amp; Rarity\" href=\"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/collections\/religious-spiritual-relics\"\u003eCollection of Religious \u0026amp; Spiritual Relics\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Relic and Rarity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52179330072898,"sku":null,"price":175.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/1803\/2194\/files\/19th_Century_Bronze_Christian_Cross_Pendant_with_Marian_Devotional_Imagery_Shipwreck_Recovery.png?v=1772976201","url":"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/products\/catholic-devotional-cross-pendant-marian-iconography-recovered-near-shipwreck-site","provider":"Relic and Rarity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}