Crucifix
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Crucifix , Christ , Crucifixion , Conservation , Miracle , Saint Philip Neri
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Abstract
The Chapel of the Crucifix in San Sebastiano Fuori le Mura in Rome, tucked away in a small room accessed through a doorway to the left of the main church, houses a life-size—or possibly larger—fourteenth to fifteenth century polychrome crucifix. The figure of Christ hangs on a Latin Cross Bottony, embellished with small painted scenes, which are heavily abraded as they are recovered from overpaint during conservation treatment. These represent depictions of the four Evangelists—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The traditional symbols of the lion and eagle can be observed on the top and bottom panels.
According to tradition, this crucifix miraculously spoke to Saint Philip Neri (1515–1595) during one of his visits to the church, adding to its devotional significance.
In 1964, the crucifix was restored at the Instituto Centrale del Restauro delle Belle Arti. The wood was consolidated, and the surface was partially re-painted to integrate losses. Large cracks and woodworm damage in the wood can be observed and the polychromy is practically non-existent—many of the polychrome nuances and the blood have probably also been lost. The surface has darkened.
Photograph(s) licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Description
San Sebastiano Fuori le Mura, Rome
Citation
Roberto Morelli, San Sebastiano Alle Catacombe (Arti Grafich, 1972), 51-53.