The Cross of the Treasure of Saint John in Florence:
recto

The Cross of the Treasure of St. John: recto. A splendid example of Renaissance goldsmithing, sculpted in silver leaf, chased, and enameled by Betto di Francesco Betti, Antonio del Pollaiolo, and Miliano di Domenico Dei between approximately 1457 and 1459. It was commissioned by the Arte dei Mercatanti (Calimala) to complement the silver altar. The front of the crucifix features four enamels at the ends of the arms (the Eternal One at the top, the Virgin on the left, Saint John on the right, and the Magdalene at the bottom). At the intersection of the arms, behind Christ's head, is the enamel of the Pelican giving its flesh to feed its children, a symbol of sacrifice. Lower down, the shaft is decorated with a small circular-based temple with the figures of Saint John enthroned and angels. This decoration recalls the shape of the lantern of the dome of Santa Maria del Fiore, under construction in those years, as is found in many other goldsmiths' workshops of the time, and testifies to the osmosis of models and references between different artistic disciplines. At the base of the foot rest two harpies in the round, holding two small angel figures on their heads. The base is decorated with chiselled reliefs, depicting the Baptism of Christ, the Doctors of the Church, Moses, the Theological Virtues, Temperance, two Angels, and some coats of arms of the Arte di Calimala, composed of from the eagle holding a bundle of cloth in its talons.