Crucifix
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Authors
Vincenzo Da Bassiano
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Keyword
Crucifix , Christ , Crucifixion , Relic , Cross , Jesus
Alternative Title
Abstract
In the fourth chapel on the right of Santa Maria in Aracoeli in Rome hangs a wooden polychrome crucifix from the late seventeenth century, attributed to Fra Vincenzo da Bassiano (1624–1694), a Franciscan sculptor renowned for his crucifixes. Many of his works are found in Franciscan convents across Lazio, and this particular sculpture is believed to be his seventh and final crucifix. Da Bassiano passed away in the convent of Santa Maria in Aracoeli.
The crucifix depicts a life-size Christ with an exaggerated and deeply emotive expression designed to draw the viewer into the suffering of the Passion. His emaciated face, contracted body, and vivid depiction of blood and wounds emphasize the intensity of his torment. Intricately rendered bulging veins, likely modelled with string beneath the gesso, traverse Christ’s body. His raised eyebrows create undulating wrinkles on his forehead, and his cheeks are marked with deep circular bruises in shades of red and purple. The same deep purple is consistently used for the blood and bruises across his hands, forehead, torso, legs, and feet. One particularly striking feature is the three-dimensional cascade of blood from the chest wound, which projects from the surface, casting dramatic shadows. The loincloth is sculpted with a fabric-like texture and a detailed trim.
An unusual detail, noted by Emanuele Romanelli, is a recess with a lid on the back of the sculpture, likely intended for the storage of relics.
Photograph(s) licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Licence.
Description
Santa Maria in Aracoeli, Rome
Citation
Emanuele Romanelli, “Fra Vincenzo da Bassiano sculptor and saint,” Parrocchia Sant'Agata V. M., https://www.parrocchiasantagata.com/index.php/rubriche/crocifisso/386-fra-vincenzo-da-bassiano-scultore-e-santo-di-emanuele-romanelli-o-f-m; “Vincenzo da Bassiano (Vincenzo Maria Pietrosanti),” Dizionario Storico Biografico della Tuscia, https://www.gentedituscia.it/vincenzo-da-bassiano-vincenzo-maria-pietrosanti/.