Devotional Cross
European Art
This small devotional cross portrays the Crucifixion and three levels of existence: heaven, earth, and hell. The subject of Christ’s Passion, or suffering, is represented by symbols of his last days on earth, such as the chalice alluding to the Last Supper and the ladder used to remove him from the cross. Christ’s Passion was one of the most popular Christian themes in the Americas because the highly legible symbols helped missionaries teach the life of Christ to the indigenous population. It was used in both New Spain and the Viceroyalty of Peru in the conversion of native peoples to Christianity.
MEDIUM
Balsa wood, pigment
DATES
19th century
DIMENSIONS
height: 18 1/8 in. (46.0 cm)
base: 2 15/16 x 6 1/4 x 8 1/2 in. (7.5 x 15.9 x 21.6 cm)
other (Cross): 13 5/8 x 8 3/4 x 1/2 in. (34.6 x 22.2 x 1.3 cm)
ACCESSION NUMBER
2002.109a-b
CREDIT LINE
Gift of M.R. and Frederika Schweitzer, N.Y.C.
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
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