Hand Cross
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Object description
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, with an elongated central crosspiece, made using the flat relief carving technique, allowing the carved elements to rise above the background rather than being cut into it. The decoration is dominated by geometric motifs that do not follow a regular compositional scheme. The obverse of the liturgical object depicts a crucifixion on a contoured four-pointed cross with a bar for the feet. The schematic figure of the Saviour, with precise contours and slightly elaborated details, is squat and disproportionate. Two waist-length figures are placed at the ends of the central frame. A smooth line separates the upper and lower crosses from the main composition. The central plane of the upper frame is filled with a strip of letters, while the central part of the lower frame is filled with a flat carved ornamental motif in the form of squares. In the centre of the back of the cross is a carved figure of the Virgin Mary wearing a crown and holding the Infant Jesus. The back of the upper and lower frames is filled with letters and a geometric pattern. A smooth stripe runs along the outline of the handmade cross on either side, repeating the shape of the frames.
Legal regulation
Borys Voznytskyi Lviv National Art Gallery
