Spanish; Catalonia
Corpus of Christ
INV-2774
Spanish; Catalonia13th century
Corpus of Christ
Spanish; Catalonia →medieval13th centurysculpturelarge scale
Date
13th century
Medium
Wood with traces of polychromy
Dimensions
201.9 × 165.1 cm (79 1/2 × 65 in.)
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Location
Chicago, IL
Credit
Kate S. Buckingham Endowment
This sculpture of the crucified Christ reportedly came from a church in Banyoles in northeastern Spain. It was displayed between the choir and the nave, which was the space reserved for the congregation. Originally painted and gilded, it would have provided a dramatic focal point for the faithful. Christ’s figure, with drooping head, closed eyes, and limp body, emphasizes his humanity and suffering. This resigned treatment of the crucified Christ gained currency around 1200, in contrast to more upright and triumphant representations of Christ on the cross of earlier centuries.
Also notable
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European
