# Foot of the cross of Saint-Bertin abbey

## Small introduction

One day in the 19th century, an unknown object arrives in a watchmaker's window. It is a hitherto unknown jewel, which the town of Saint-Omer bought in 1838. It is supposed to come from the once very rich Saint-Bertin abbey, from where it miraculously escaped by avoiding the revolutionary melting down.

This foot, made around 1170-11180, was, as its name suggests, intended to support a large cross that was placed on the altar. Made of gilded copper and champlevé enamel, it offers both very expressive sculptures and colorful scenes reminiscent of the illuminations of the time.

Its hemispherical base (dome) is decorated around its perimeter with an openwork frieze of plant motifs, on which are seated the four evangelists, supports at the foot of the cross. Their symbols overhang them, at the junction between the base and the square pillar. From the capital that crowns the whole, four figures are born symbolizing the elements. But it is above all the eight enamelled scenes which take up passages from the Old Testament whose vivid color stands out from the golden background.

This application allows you to learn more about the scenes represented and the manufacturing secrets, by clicking on the different parts of the object.

So good discovery !

P