Crucifix

Abstract

This under-lifesized painted wood crucifix has been attributed on the basis of style to Giovanni Pisano or his workshop, c. 1300-20. As is typical of crucifixes of the period, Jesus hangs low on the cross, his arms painfully stretched, and his ribs protruding over a concave abdomen. The abrupt twist of the body gives the work an almost jagged look, that adds to the pathos. The face is, like the body, also suffering, but made noble, with a mane of leonine hair rising over a high forehead. It was originally carried in procession, including in during the lay devotional movement of the Bianchi in 1399, when many crucifixes were believed to have performed miracles. Therefore this crucifix is known as a Bianchi crucifix. Photograph(s) licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.