Corpus of Christ

Description

This sculpture of the crucified Christ reportedly came from a church in Banyoles in northeastern Spain. It was displayed between the choir and the nave, which was the space reserved for the congregation. Originally painted and gilded, it would have provided a dramatic focal point for the faithful. Christ’s figure, with drooping head, closed eyes, and limp body, emphasizes his humanity and suffering. This resigned treatment of the crucified Christ gained currency around 1200, in contrast to more upright and triumphant representations of Christ on the cross of earlier centuries.

Provenance

Church of Santa Maria dels Turers, Banyoles. Paul Tachard, Barcelona, c. 1919 [according to Bastardes i Parera 1981]. [R. Stora, Paris]; Kate S. Buckingham.

Corpus of Christ

Spanish

13th century

Accession Number

27747

Medium

Wood with traces of polychromy

Dimensions

201.9 × 165.1 cm (79 1/2 × 65 in.)

Classification

sculpture

Museum

The Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago, United States

Credit Line

Kate S. Buckingham Endowment