The True Cross Reliquary of Évora (Cruz do Santo Lenho de Évora) is a unique Portuguese 1698-99 devotional reliquary made in gold and silver, decorated with coloured enamel and embellished with diamonds and coloured gemstones, including emeralds, rubies, sapphires, spinels and a superb hessonite garnet carving, that is the highlight of the treasure room of the cathedral of Évora, Portugal.
The study of this important masterpiece resulted in the publication of a book “O Santo Lenho da Sé de Évora. Arte, Esplendor e Devoção” by Fundação Eugénio de Almeida (main content in Portuguese with full translation at the end of the tome), with myself, Artur Goulart de Melo Borges and Gonçalo de Vasconcelos e Sousa as authors, with superb photography by Carlos Pombo that has been out of print and, because of that, I am happy to share it with whoever wishes to get it as a PDF file.
Message me or follow the instructions in the form https://lnkd.in/drJ-vSX7 to get the link to access the book.
Exploring the use of gem materials in the context of artistic and cultural heritage is one of the most fascinating areas of the gem and jewellery studies!
Photos © Carlos Pombo Monteiro / Fundação Eugénio de Almeida , Arquidiocese de Évora
Guest articles by Rui Galopim de Carvalho:
https://gem-spectrum.com/category/rui-galopim-de-carvalho
About the author:
Rui Galopim de Carvalho is a renowned independent Gem Education Consultant, author, luxury industry training expert and popular international lecturer on gemmology and on the history of gem materials. During his 30 year experience as a gemmologist, Rui has studied important collections in both public and private museums, notably the Portuguese Crown Jewels.
Founder of the popular Home Gemmology webinar series launched during the COVID-19 lockdown, Rui has a long history as a gemmology communicator, notably on social media where he is a popular figure.
He is associate editor of Gem-A’s Journal of Gemmology, Vice-President of the Coral Commission of The World Jewellery Confederation – CIBJO, member of the Communications Committee of ICA (International Colored Gemstone Association), ambassador for LAUREL -Portuguese Association of Excellence Brands (ECCIA member) and consultant for several private collections and trade organizations.
Rui Galopim de Carvalho can be reached through his website:
