Crucifix - Oak - Gothic Corpus Christi

Large and rare oak Corpus. France, circa 1400.

Characteristic carving for the prevailing style of the time: fairly flat and without much movement. Everything reduced to the true essence. Christ depicted realistically. The Suffering of the Son of God with which an ordinary mortal could strongly identify. The shroud and the hair are drawn and incised in a fairly schematic manner. Everything appears angular. The Head of Christ with a braided crown of thorns and a small beard hanging to the right. The body is thin and the feet placed over each other.

Fairly large sculpture: 62 cm. Of course originating from an altarpiece from a church, monastery, or private chapel.

Condition: arms missing. Feet not original. Probably recut around 1900. Head with hollowing. The wood is heavily petrified as is typical for its age. Remnants of polychromy.

An exceptional work whose origin lies in Christian Europe almost devoid of other image culture. Such a sculpture must have moved the viewer deeply. With this artwork you are more of a guardian than an owner. One has the duty to cherish it and take care of it until the time comes to pass it on again. A tangible piece of European cultural history with roots in late medieval France.

Shipped by registered mail and insured.