Claudius Beissonat
Carved ivory, wooden cross.
Height from hands to toes: 81 cm.
Further images
The sculpture depicts a large-scale living Christ on the Cross, following the tradition of the so-called “agonizing” images, arranged on a two-tiered base typical of works showing Italian influence. The figure is presented secured by four nails to a flat cross (in line with works from the end of the 17th century), with his legs stretched out alongside each other, and the slight raising of his right foot on top of his left, where we can observe the way the wounds form folds of flesh to show the weight of the body hanging from the nails. His torso is slightly bent towards the right, in the interests of adapting to the material itself. His arms stretch out above horizontal , and his head is seen raised and turned to the right, with an imploring gaze upwards and an expressive look with his half-open mouth where we can just make out his teeth and part of his tongue.
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