Spanish school, late Romanesque-early Gothic, 13th-14th centuries

Spanish school of late Romanesque-early Gothic, 13th-14th centuries.
"Crucified Christ".
Carved wood.
It presents flaws caused by the passage of time.
Attached study of Carbon 14.
Measurements: 165 x 135 x 35 cm.

Round sculpture carved in wood representing the figure of Christ crucified. By its morphological characteristics and the C14 study attached, the piece denotes the influence of the late Romanesque, entering the characteristics of the early Gothic. It is an image of devotional character that tries to awaken the passion and faith of the spectator. The rear area of the sculpture has an indentation, so it is likely that it was part of the ornamental decoration of a block or architectural ensemble. The carving stands out for the simplicity of the forms, the fluid technique of straight lines and the somewhat naïve conception of the face, thus becoming a symbol, above and beyond the superfluous details. This idealization can also be seen in the anatomical treatment, whose measurements are distorted, as can be seen in the arms.

The crucifixion of Jesus has been represented in religious art since the fourth century. It is one of the most recurrent themes in Christian art and the one with the most evident iconography. Although Christ is sometimes depicted clothed, it is usual to represent his naked body, albeit with the genitals covered with a purity cloth (perizonium); full nudes are very rare, but prominent (Brunelleschi, Michelangelo, Cellini). The conventions of representation of the different attitudes of the crucified Christ are designated by the Latin expressions Christus triumphans ("triumphant" -not to be confused with the Maiestas Domini or the Pantocrator-), Christus patiens ("resigned" -not to be confused with the Christ of patience-) and Christus dolens ("suffering" -not to be confused with the Vir dolorum-). The triumphans is represented alive, with open eyes and erect body; the patiens is represented dead, with the will totally emptied (kenosis), the head inclined, the face with serene expression, the eyes closed and the body arched, showing the five wounds; the dolens is represented in a similar way to the patiens, but with a gesture of pain, particularly in the mouth (curved).