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Crucifix

ca. 1200–1220
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 304
Rather than emphasizing his pain and suffering on the cross, this image presents Christ in glory, alive, eyes wide open. He wears a full-length robe connoting his kingly and priestly rank. This type of crucifix is known as the Volto Santo (Holy Face). It is a copy of a sculpture in Lucca, Italy. The Lucca crucifix was likely made in the 700s, but medieval legend held that it was made by Nicodemus, a disciple of Jesus who witnessed the Crucifixion.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Crucifix
  • Date: ca. 1200–1220
  • Culture: North Italian
  • Medium: Wood with polychromy
  • Dimensions: Overall (Christ): 75 5/8 x 76 1/4 x 11 1/4 in. (192.1 x 193.7 x 28.6 cm)
    Cross: 89 1/8 x 80 1/2 x 1 in. (226.4 x 204.5 x 2.5 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture-Wood
  • Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1947
  • Object Number: 47.100.54
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

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2960. Crucifix

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