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 is seven-pointed by design, with an elongated middle crosspiece (the end of the upper frame is missing) 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. On the front of the hand cross is the crucifix, which occupies the central cross and most of the stem. The disproportionate figure of the Saviour is sketched with outlines and few details. At the surviving end of the central frame is the figure of a standing man. A smooth line separates the upper and lower crosses from the main composition. The central surface of the upper and lower frames is filled with a rectangle of letters and incised vertical slits. A pattern of parallel diagonal lines runs around the inner perimeter of the frame. In the central part, on the back of the cross, there is a carved figure of the Virgin Mary wearing a crown and holding the Christ Child. In the circle, at the end of the central frame, is a waist figure with outlined details and a clear silhouette. The reverse of the upper and lower frames is identical to the front. A smooth stripe runs along the outline of the hand cross on both sides, repeating the frame's shape.
Legal regulation
Borys Voznytskyi Lviv National Art Gallery
