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Corpus from a Crucifix
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By the 11th century, monumental crucifixes carved from wood and painted were a common feature of church interiors. Placed on or suspended above the main altar, they reminded viewers of Christ’s sacrifice on behalf of mankind at the Crucifixion, an event reenacted every time Mass was celebrated on the altar below. Crucifixes also invited prayer and meditation on Christ’s role as Redeemer. This fragmentary but finely carved corpus, or body of Christ, once belonged to such a crucifix.
| Artist / Maker | France, Burgundy, Autun?, 12th century |
|---|---|
| Date | c. 1130–1140 |
| Culture / Origin | France, Burgundy, Autun?, 12th century |
| Medium | polychromed wood |
| Dimensions | Overall: 111.1 x 20.2 x 7.8 cm (43 3/4 x 7 15/16 x 3 1/16 in.) |
| Department | Medieval Art |
| Type | Sculpture |
About the Artist
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
Condition
A detailed condition report and high-resolution photography are available from our specialists in advance of the sale.
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