Crucifix
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Authors
Francesco Brunelli
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Keyword
Crucifix , Christ , Crucifixion , Passion , Cross , Jesus
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Abstract
In the left-side entrance vestibule of Il Gesù in Rome, between the Chapels of Saint Ignatius and the Trinity, is a turn-of-the-seventeenth-century wooden polychrome crucifix. The crucifix, carved by the Jesuit sculptor Francesco Brunelli (c. 1572–1635), is a strikingly naturalistic representation of Christ’s agony during the Passion. Brunelli also crafted two wooden angels and a wardrobe for the sacristy, all of which survive today. Originally housed in the Chapel of the Crucifix, this work was relocated when the chapel was re-dedicated to Saint Ignatius in the seventeenth century.
The crucifix’s vivid realism made it an object of profound popular devotion. Christ is depicted in a moment of intense suffering, with his head sharply turned, eyes closed, mouth parted, and body hanging low on the cross. His legs are twisted, and his arms appear bent, as though he is struggling to pull himself upward. Blood flows from the chest wound, the nails at his wrists, and the crown of thorns. Large drops of blood are also painted on his stomach and chest, suggesting they may have fallen from his head. The loincloth is adorned with an ochre-toned pattern.
The polychromy remains in good condition, except for the paint and gesso on Christ’s feet, likely worn away by centuries of devotees touching and kissing them in reverence. While the wood has suffered minor damage from woodworms, it remains structurally stable.
The crucifix's early popularity led Cardinal Giacomo Savelli (1523–1587) to commission a bronze copy of the wooden work, as bronze was considered a more luxurious material. However, Cardinal Savelli passed away in 1587 before the project commenced. The bronze version was ultimately completed by Sicilian sculptor Lodovico del Duca (1551–1601).
In the nineteenth century, the side entrance vestibule was redecorated with funding from Prince Alessandro Torlonia, the second Prince of Civitella-Cesi (1800–1886). His name and coat of arms are prominently displayed above the entrance, marking his contribution to the church’s renovation.
Photograph(s) licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Licence.
Description
Il Gesù, Rome
Citation
Bailey, Gauvin A., Between Renaissance and Baroque : Jesuit Art in Rome, 1565-1610, (Toronto : University of Toronto Press, 2003); Poi Pecchiai, Il Gesu Di Roma (Roma : Societa Grafica Romana, 1952); “Cappella di Sant’Ignazio,” Chiesa del Gesù Roma, https://www.chiesadelgesu.org/la-chiesa/visita-virtuale/cappella-di-santignazio/; Skip Conde, “Santissimo Nome di Gesù all'Argentina,” Churches of Rome,http://www.churches-of-rome.info/CoR_Info/Gesu-089/089-Gesu.pdf