The Cross of the Treasure of Sain John, recto, detail, 1457-59

Florence, Museum of the Opera del Duomo (Museum of Florence Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore): 'The Cross of the Treasure of St. John: the recto. 'Detail of the upper part with statue of crucified Christ. Behind, the figure of the pelican, which in Christian symbolism is the emblem of Jesus Christ. Often its feathers are dyed red due to the blood of the prey and this detail has probably spread the belief that it lacerated the body in order to keep the young alive. the blood that the pelican sheds is the blood that Christ sheds from the cross, purifying all men from sin. The Cross is a splendid example of Renaissance jewelery, sculpted in silver foil, chiseled and enameled by Betto di Francesco Betti, Antonio del Pollaiolo and Miliano di Domenico Dei between 1457 and 1459 approximately. It was commissioned to complete the silver altar. The Cross-monstrance is made up of three distinct main parts: the Crucifix, the stem and the base.