Crucifix

Unknown

ca. 1200–1220 · Wood with polychromy · Medieval Art

Rather than emphasizing his pain and suffering on the cross, this image presents Christ in glory, alive, eyes wide open. He wears a full-length robe connoting his kingly and priestly rank. This type of crucifix is known as the Volto Santo (Holy Face). It is a copy of a sculpture in Lucca, Italy. The Lucca crucifix was likely made in the 700s, but medieval legend held that it was made by Nicodemus, a disciple of Jesus who witnessed the Crucifixion.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1200–1220

Medium

Wood with polychromy

Culture

North Italian

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Fletcher Fund, 1947