Hand Cross
unknown
Basic information
Additionally
- Type
- decorative and applied arts ritual items
- Genre
- religious
- Provenance
- Sydorivka village, Stryi district, Lviv region
Information about author
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 from the village of Sydorivka is seven-pointed (the end of the upper frame is missing) and made using the technique of contour, notched and flat relief carving, which allows the carved elements to rise above the background rather than cut into it, creating the impression of volume and relief. A four-pointed cross with a leg rest is outlined on the front of the hand cross, and the crucifix is placed on the central cross and the main part of the stem. The figure of the Saviour, with sketched outlines and minor details, is depicted in a squatting position. At the ends of the central frame are two half-figures of angels. 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 – the so-called "piping". In the central part of the back of the cross is an elongated carved figure of the Virgin Mary wearing a crown and holding the Christ Child. A smooth stripe runs along the outline of the handmade cross on the front and back, repeating the shape of the edges.
Legal regulation
Borys Voznytskyi Lviv National Art Gallery
