CRUCIFIX concealing a BOX Folk art France, 19th century

CRUCIFIX concealing a BOX

Folk art

France, 19th century

Wood

H.: 23; L.: 9.5; Thickness: 4 cm

(accidents and restorations)

Christ on the cross in wood carved in high relief and affixed to a cross concealing a box in the back of the cross. The lid is zippered and the reverse of the cross finely punctuated with numerous symbols on the reverse such as the chalice, the ladder and the spear, the ears of wheat, the hammer or even dice to play – reminiscent of the episode told by the evangelists in which the Roman soldiers divided the garments of Christ by drawing lots.

The upper part is carved with a loop, allowing a link to be slipped in and hung on the wall, above the head of Christ, the acronym "INRI" on a parchment and at his feet, a skull on a bone cross.

The sides of the cross are carved with foliage scrolls and flower buds.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

Ref.LP2282