Golden Rose of Minucchio da Siena

This Golden Rose is one of three left in the world. Golden Roses were mentioned as far back as the 11th century and out of hundreds made this is the oldest one. Although, part of the Catholic faith, the ceremony of giving the rose has managed to stay the same over centuries. Every year on the 4th Sunday of Lent the Pope offers the rose to a sanctuary, king, queen, or distinguished individual as a sign of special devotion. The 4th Sunday of Lent is called Laetare in Latin. It is a time where in the middle of fasting the rules could be lightened and the cloth on the alter would be changed to be a rose color.
This particular rose was commissioned by Pope John XXII in 1330. He gave it to Rodophe Nidau III who had previously shown devotion towards the Pope. Nidau helped him settle a dispute with Emperor Louis of Bavaria. The Cluny gallery was also able to find the goldsmith who made this rose. His name was Minucchio. He was a member of Sienese artists in what was 14th century Avignon.


Citations:
National Museum of the Middle Ages. www.musee-moyenage.fr. Hotel de Cluny, n/a. Web. 2 July 2013.Rock, P.M.J. "Golden Rose." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 6. New York: R
obert Appleton Company, 1909. 4 Jul. 2013 <http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06629a.htm>.