The
Cross of Lothair or
Lothair Cross is a
crux gemmata (jewelled cross)
processional cross dating from about 1000 AD, though its base dates from the 14th century. It was made in Germany, probably at
Cologne. It is an outstanding example of medieval goldsmith's work, and "an important monument of imperial ideology", forming part of the
Aachen Cathedral Treasury, which includes several other masterpieces of sacral
Ottonian art. The measurements of the original portion are 50 cm height, 38.5 cm width, 2.3 cm depth. The cross comes from the period when Ottonian art was evolving into
Romanesque art, and the engraved crucifixion on the reverse looks forward to the later period.