Unknown artist, Spanish

Originally attached to a large cross and hung in a church, this sculpture presents Christ’s death by crucifixion, the punishment he received for preaching that he was the son of God. Rather than bearing his weight, his outstretched arms suggest his resurrection.

Wood was the most commonly available material for interior sculptures, and ideal for an object of this scale. Traces of color indicate that the sculpture was painted, adding emotional impact and aspects of realism to the more abstract carving of his hair and beard and the folds of his classically inspired loincloth.