Currently not on view
Corpus for a Crucifix,
13th century
French
y1951-26
Bronze corpora, sculpted bodies of the crucified Christ, survive in large numbers. They were made to attach to the crosses that stood on Roman Catholic altars or were carried in procession. Corpora were preserved, even after they had been detached from their crosses, because they were valued as sacred images. The selection here includes earlier examples depicting the Triumphant Christ upright on the cross, standing on a platform, and crowned as victorious over death. Later images represent Christ suffering, as the Passion (Jesus’s torture and death) was emphasized as part of an effort to make Biblical events more immediate for worshipers.
Information
Title
Corpus for a Crucifix
Dates
13th century
Medium
Copper with gilding and enamel
Dimensions
17.4 × 14 × 2 cm (6 7/8 × 5 1/2 × 13/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Russell C. Veit, Class of 1906
Object Number
y1951-26
Place Made
Europe, France, Limoges
Culture
Type
Russell C. Veit; 1951 gift to museum.
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The Museum regularly researches its objects and their collecting histories, updating its records to reflect new information. We also strive to catalogue works of art using language that is consistent with how people, subjects, artists, and cultures describe themselves. As this effort is ongoing, the Museum’s records may be incomplete or contain terms that are no longer acceptable. We welcome your feedback, questions, and additional information that you feel may be useful to us. Email us at collectionsinfo@princeton.edu.
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