Cross Column Base, Montemor-O-Novo

Description

Provenance and description: Originally placed in front of the S. Francisco Convento, in Montemor-o-Novo, this is a marble cross base, consisting of three overlapping elements. It is a typically Manuelino sculptural piece surrounded by ropes and carved knots, as if it were a bale or a bag of goods. The base itself, where it fitted the cross, has an inscription where the name of the donor is mentioned: "ESTA CRVZ MANDOU POR RVI GO[ME]S PAEZ POR SVA DEVOÇAM". It was near the S. Francisco Monastery and dates from the first half of the 16th century. He is currently in custody of the Museum of S. Domingos, in Montemor-o-Novo.