This commanding, over-lifesize wood figure represents the living Christ on the cross. The swelling, elliptical folds of drapery on the chest and arms mimic the texture of the tree trunk from which it was made. The exaggerated dimensions of the arms imbue the image with power and authority. Notice the pigment on Christ’s garments and face. Although much of the Medieval sculpture you encounter today lacks color, most of it was once brightly painted.

The image of a Living Christ, or Christ triumphant, wearing a belted tunic is related to a magical Medieval image known in Italian as the Volto Santo, or Holy Face. According to the legend of the Volto Santo, a follower of Christ named Nicodemus carved a statue of Christ on the cross after his death. It was believed that it eventually made its way to the cathedral of Lucca, in Italy, where it was considered the source of many miracles. The Volto Santo image of Christ was widely replicated throughout Europe. This sculpture comes from Northern Italy.