Caen (Calvados), Abbey church of the Holy Trinity (Abbaye-aux-Dames) Antefix cross End of the 11th century / Early 12th century

Antefix cross originating from the church of the Trinité, in the Abbaye-aux-Dames, in Caen (Calvados). Carved in limestone and dating from the end of the 11th century, or early 12th century (between 1070 and 1130).
It is in open work and decorated with an interlacing motif with three strands, in relief. The rear presents the same decoration but without relief.
The form of its arms and the interlacing motif which encloses it seem to be characteristic of the trends from the beginning of the 12^th century. Interlacing motifs played a very important decorative role at the time in Norman art.

Dimensions of the object
H.  0.44 m ; l.  0.48 m ; Prof.  0.05 m  

Bibliography
-  Loisel C, Inventaire de la collection lapidaire romane réunie par la Société des Antiquaires de Normandie, Mémoire de maîtrise, Université de Caen, 1972
- Musset L, Normandie Romane, vol. 1, 1967, Collection La Nuit des Temps
- Thybert H, Inventaire du lapidaire roman du Musée de Normandie, Association Caen-Archéologie, 1992

Location
Musée de Normandie, Caen, Calvados
DSAN 83 1218 005, Dépôt de la Société des Antiquaires de Normandie