Head of a Crozier with a Serpent Devouring a Flower

Unknown

ca. 1200–1220 · Copper: formed, engraved, chased, scraped, stippled, and gilt; champlevé enamel: medium and light blue, light green, yellow, red, and white; glass cabochons · Medieval Art

As early as the sixth century, the pastoral staff, or crozier, conveyed the authority of a bishop, abbot, or abbess. The serpent and flower are frequently combined on enamel croziers from Limoges. They allude to the rod of Moses that, in the presence of Pharaoh, miraculously turned into a serpent at the command of God, and to the flowering rod of Aaron, symbol of his election to the priesthood by God.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1200–1220

Medium

Copper: formed, engraved, chased, scraped, stippled, and gilt; champlevé enamel: medium and light blue, light green, yellow, red, and white; glass cabochons

Culture

French

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917