Crucifix

Abstract

This painted wood crucifix was likely made by a Florentine artist in the late fifteenth century. The muscularity of the body, not showing any downward strain but almost seeming to stand with arms outstretched, and calm and idealized face serve to elevate Christ. Only the blood painted copiously dripping from the wounds underlines Christ's suffering. (It is not clear whether this is the original polychromy.) The loincloth looks as if it was made from a piece of fabric, dipped in gesso and wrapped around the body. The crown of thorns was probably added later. This crucifix is housed in Santa Maria delle Carceri in Prato. Photograph(s) licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.