Cross
unknown
Basic information
Additionally
- Type
- decorative and applied arts ritual items
- Genre
- religious
Information about author
Object description
The work is a four-pointed Greek processional cross with a moulded handle extending from the lower end. It belongs to the iconographic type of the "blooming cross", symbolising the tree of life. Each end ends with rounded projections. On the front, in the centre, there is a three-dimensional metal crucifixion made imitating Western iconography. The Saviour is nailed to the cross with three nails; his feet are interlocked, and his palms are open. Christ is depicted as dead, with his head tilted to his right shoulder and his eyes closed. His profiled, textured face is framed by the hair which falls over his shoulders. Christ's athletic body is skilfully reproduced anatomically. The decorative effect of the composition is emphasised by a small knotted bandage on the thighs, modelled by flat, soft lines of wrinkles. Above the crucifixion is a traditional title with the inscription "INRI", and at the bottom is a generalised representation of Adam's head. On the reverse side, on a smooth surface, the master depicted the instruments of the Passion: pliers, a ladder, a scourge, a hammer, the lance of Longinus, a rooster that crowed three times during the denial of the Apostle Peter, etc. The tradition of depicting the instruments of Christ's torture in iconography dates back to the ninth century.
Legal regulation
Borys Voznytskyi Lviv National Art Gallery
