Crucified Christ
Unknown Artist
c. 1340–1350
Medium
wood (walnut) once polychromed
Dimensions
41.6 × 36.9 cm
Classification
Sculpture
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Andrew R. and Martha Holden Jennings Fund
Accession Number
1981.52
About this artwork
The striking impression of this figure is the vivid representation of suffering. The sculpture captures the moment after Christ’s death: the drooping head on a frail neck is a mask of agony. The eyes are nearly shut, the mouth is ajar, and the forehead crowned by heavy, gouging thorns is drawn with pain. The elongation of the body is emphasized by the emaciated chest with protruding ribs and bony limbs. The resulting sense of frailty and pathos is augmented by the heavy strands of hair that uncu...