Kruzifix - Holz - 20th century - Painted Wooden Cross - 38 cm

Painted Wooden Crucifix / Devotional Cross – Italo-Byzantine / Gothic Style – Gilt Wood

Decorative painted wooden devotional cross depicting the Crucifixion of Christ, executed in an archaic Italo-Byzantine / Gothic-inspired style.

The cross is constructed from wood and features a distinctive stepped architectural shape with raised and profiled borders. The front is richly decorated with dark painted areas, red ornamental elements and extensive gold-coloured / gilt decoration.

Christ is depicted centrally with outstretched arms, visible wounds to the hands, side and feet, and a halo surrounding the head. Above Christ is the traditional INRI titulus.

The unusual shape of the cross and its deliberately archaic artistic language are inspired by medieval Italian and European devotional crosses.

The surface shows considerable patina, wear, losses to the painted and gilt decoration, cracks and other traces of age and use. The wooden construction and joints are clearly visible from the sides and reverse.

An old handwritten label attached to the reverse reads:

"Kreuz – aus den Beständen eines Pfarrhauses. Herkunft – unbekannt."

Translation:

"Cross – from the holdings of a rectory/parish house. Origin unknown."

A metal fitting is present at the top, possibly relating to an earlier mounting or display arrangement.

The exact workshop, geographical origin and date of manufacture are unknown. The object is therefore offered as a later devotional work in the historical Italo-Byzantine / Gothic tradition, without attribution to a specific artist or period.

Material: Wood, painted and gilt
Subject: Crucifixion of Christ
Style: Italo-Byzantine / Gothic revival
Origin: Unknown

Provenance: According to the old label, formerly from the holdings of a parish house
Condition: Antique-style devotional object with substantial patina and visible signs of age and use. Paint and gilding losses, cracks, abrasions, open joints and wear are present. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the condition description.