Hand Cross

The design of the hand cross is seven-pointed, with an elongated central crosspiece. The work was carved with a chisel using contour, notched, and flat relief carving techniques. Its compositional solution is characterised by a rich iconography with a nuanced interpretation of figures and details. The scenes occupy the entire surface of the cross on both sides. On the front, a squat graphic representation of the Crucifixion is carved in imitation of the Western iconographic tradition. The master tried to convey the anatomical features of the human body by working out the details schematically. The Saviour's head is inclined towards his right shoulder, his hands are open, his feet are interlocked, and he is placed on a crosspiece with the inscription "NIKE", symbolising victory. A schematic representation of Adam's skull is at the foot of the cross, in the lower frame. The background is decorated with floral ornaments. At the end of the central section are graphic, waist-length, flat-carved figures of Mary and John standing. A band embellished with a "kryvulka" (curved) motif separates the upper frame from the main composition. Its smooth surface bears the inscription "INRI". The lower end of the main staff, separated by a contour profile, has a flat carved schematised image of St. Nicholas with a book in his left hand, inscribed in an arch. Around the cross on the front side, repeating the shape of the frame is a band – "ark", decorated with a "kryvulka" (curved) motif. On the back of the cross, in the central part, there is a graphic image of the Virgin Mary wearing a crown and holding the Baby Jesus in her arms, the decorative solution of which is dominated by straight lines and triangular cuts. The elongated figure of Mary is depicted on the moon. At the ends of the central frame are flat-carved, waist-length figures of saints with halos. Behind them are schematic figures of two Evangelists holding books. Two more Evangelists can be seen at the ends of the lower section, their heads tilted and holding books. A part of the main core and the upper frame are reserved for the multi-figure iconographic scene of the Baptism of Christ. In the centre is a graphic figure of Jesus with his arms folded on his chest, on the right is John the Baptist, and at the ends are schematically represented waist figures of angels with large wings. Geometric patterns dominate the decorative decoration of the hand cross. A clear, geometrically decorated stripe runs along the contour of the cross on the back side, rising above the background but not protruding beyond the main plane of the piece. The simplicity of the images and their graphic presentation attest to the authorship of a folk master.

Borys Voznytskyi Lviv National Art Gallery