Crucified Christ, Rhineland (Upper Rhine?), End of 14 century

Crucified Christ

Rhineland (Upper Rhine?)

End of 14 century

Oak wood with original polchromy

Length 112 cm



The Crucified is shown in the three-nail type and in an extremely elongated manner, which emphasises the monumentality of the sculpture. Although the figure still shows reminiscences of the Romanesque period, it can already be ascribed to the Gothic era. The body is less rigid but more softly modelled; the doughy perizonium with beginnings of clinging bowl folds is knotted flat at the hip, which, despite the blocky expression, reinforces the elevation of the figure. The elongated face with long, falling strands of hair and a frizzy-looking full beard also emphasises the vertical orientation of Christ. His head seems to be tilted slightly to the right, either powerlessly drooping down or facing the witnesses under the cross. The half-closed eyes and slightly open mouth reflect the moment at the threshold of death. Remains of blood are visible, dripping down Christ’s high forehead. Remarkable are the fragments of polychromy of the flesh parts with traces of blood as well as the yellow bole of the perizonium.