Brass Crucifix with Corpus of Christ - ca. 1910-1925 - 25 cm

A distinctive early 20th-century devotional cross, constructed from profiled brass rods and featuring a large cast Christ corpus. Based on its construction, design, and execution, we date this crucifix to approximately 1910–1925.

The cross has a strikingly austere, almost architectural form. The dark patinated corpus contrasts sharply with the gold-coloured brass. Christ is depicted in a relatively naturalistic manner, with outstretched arms, crossed feet, and a draped loincloth. The expressive modelling of the face, hair, and body gives the whole a distinctly religious and devotional character.

The corpus and the cross were made separately and then joined together. The simple construction of profiled brass parts, the cast metal corpus, and the visible signs of age are consistent with Catholic devotional objects from the first quarter of the 20th century.

At the top is a metal hanging eye, allowing the crucifix to be hung as a wall cross. Its relatively large size of approximately 25 cm gives it a clear presence, without the elaborate decoration found on some other historic devotional crosses.

Over the years, the metal has developed a natural patina and traces of use. These have been deliberately preserved and are consistent with the estimated age of the object.

Specifications

• Type: devotional crucifix / wall cross
• Depiction: Christ on the cross
• Period: early 20th century
• Date: probably c. 1910–1925
• Cross material: profiled brass
• Corpus material: cast metal with dark patina
• Construction: separately made corpus mounted on a brass cross
• Height: approx. 25 cm
• Width: approx. 13 cm
• Hanging: metal hanging eye
• Origin: probably continental Europe, possibly Germany
• Condition: good antique condition with natural patina and signs of age/use