Reliquary pendant cross, known as the Mary, Queen of Scots, crucifix

Description

A reliquary pendant cross said to be have been owned by Mary, Queen of Scots. The cross has a three-dimensional enamelled corpus Christi and skull, with an inscription: I N R I on the front, engraved instruments of the passion and an enamelled heart and crown of thorns on the back. The sides of the cross are engraved with the words: Behold who suffere what and for whom he suffered. The cross is hinged at the top so that the hollow interior, which would have originally held a religious relic, may be revealed. The cross has an original case (MG 095 B). Spanish or English.