Antigua Crucifix

Creator

John Carroll University

Preview

Creation Date

1560

Description

This painted wooden crucifix is an example of a polychrome sculpture, faded and deteriorated by time and circumstance. The piece measures about 16 x 10.75 inches, including its mounting tenons on either end of the cross piece. The arms were carved separately and joined to the torso. The painting technique was heavily influenced by the practices of traditional Spanish polychroming, or use of multiple colors on wooden sculpture.

This crucifix was unearthed in the ruins of the Church of San Francisco, during its restoration in 1948, in Antigua, Guatemala. The crucifix was probably created by a native Indian artist, inspired by both native and Spanish influences.