Crucifix
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Keyword
Crucifix , Christ , Crucifixion , Passion , Cross , Jesus
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Abstract
In the small Chapel of the Crucifix in Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rome is a fifteenth-century wooden polychrome crucifix of unknown origin. This crucifix is believed to have replaced a painted crucifix by Giotto that originally occupied the same chapel but is now lost.
The extent of the original polychromy on the sculpture remains uncertain. Minimal traces of gilding are visible on the loincloth, hinting at its once richer decorative finish. Blood trails from Christ’s wounds appear to have been modelled in gesso and painted red, adding dimensionality to the depiction of his suffering. Similarly, the veins on Christ’s arms may have been modelled using string embedded in gesso, a common technique for creating realistic texture in polychrome sculpture.
Photograph(s) licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Licence.
Description
Santa Maria sopra Minerva, Rome
Citation
Padri Domenicani, Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva (Genova: B.N. Marconi, 2022), 14.