Hand Cross

The hand cross belongs to the typological subgroup of liturgical crosses intended for worship. It appeared in the Eastern Rite in the 15th century. The cross is seven-pointed and made using contour, notched, and flat relief carving techniques, which allow the carved elements to rise above the background rather than cut into it, creating the impression of volume and relief. The crucifix on the front of the hand cross occupies the central cross and most of the stem. The sketched figure of the Saviour, with defined contours and small details, is crouched and disproportionate. Above Christ is a plaque with the inscription "INRI" and Adam's skull under his feet. At the ends of the central frame are images of cherubs. A smooth line separates the upper and lower crosses from the main composition. On the plane of the upper frame is a flat-relief iconographic image of the New Testament Trinity – the waist-length figures of God the Father and God the Son are graphically depicted, and between them, a flat line indicates a dove – the Holy Spirit. The composition is framed with a "curved" motif along the outline of the edge. The central plane of the lower frame is filled with a flat carved geometric pattern, letters and a schematic image of a saint holding a four-pointed cross in his left hand. In the central part of the back of the cross is a flat-carved, full-length figure of the Virgin Mary wearing a crown and holding the baby Jesus. At the ends of the central frame, identical to the front, are silhouettes of cherubs outlined with a graphic contour. A smooth line separates the back of the upper and lower edges from the overall composition. The decorative design is dominated by the "curved" motif, which occupies a significant part of the background area of the handmade cross on both sides. The simplicity of the imagery and its graphic presentation are the work of a folk master. The inscription "Lukasz Dworski" at the bottom of both ends arouses interest and may indicate the authorship.

Borys Voznytskyi Lviv National Art Gallery