Beautiful antique standing or altar crucifix. The crucifix is approximately 19 1/4" tall and 7” across the horizontal beam of the cross (the patibulum). The base of the crucifix is approximately 4” in diameter. The crucifix may have been made in France in the 19^th century. It features turned wood painted black known and known as “ebony wood” or "Napoleon III wood,” since it was apparently popular in France during the reign of Napoleon III (1852 to 1870). The corpus (the figure of Jesus Christ), nameplate (the small scroll near the top of the vertical post of the cross (the stipes), and skull and crossbones are metal. The nameplate contains the initials “INRI” (Latin for “Iesus Nazarenus, Rex Iudaeorum” or “"Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews"). The skull and crossbones near the bottom of the vertical post symbolizes Christ's victory over death and sin and is a reminder of human mortality or “Memento Mori” (Latin for “Remember your mortality” or “Remember that you will die”). It may also represent the place of Jesus’ crucifixion, Golgotha ("the place of the skull") and/or the legend or tradition that the place of the crucifixion was also the burial place of Adam. The beads on the ends of the cross’ horizontal beam and the top of the vertical post may be made of celluloid (sometimes called “faux ivory” or “French ivory”). The crucifix is unmarked and its manufacturer is unknown. Estate sale find. A beautiful devotional and piece of Catholic and Christian art! 

The crucifix appears to be in fair used condition with signs of wear and age, such as scratches, scrapes, abrasions, nicks, chips, indentations, cracks, holes, spots, stray marks, rub marks, flaking and chipping paint, oxidation and rust on the nails and screws, loss of finish, and some dust or soiling in recessed areas. It appears that the base of the crucifix was broken and repaired. There is significant damage to one of the round wooden feet on the base of the crucifix. There is a crack and damage to the right shoulder of the metal corpus. There is also a large hole or opening on the back of the corpus (although it’s possible this hole might be a manufacturing or casting flaw). There are also holes and damage to the skull and crossbones. The metal nameplate is loose. There is discoloration on the nameplate, the corpus, and the skull and crossbones. There is paint, discoloration, and perhaps stains on the faux ivory beads on the ends of the cross’ horizontal beam and vertical post. Some of the imperfections are most noticeable when the crucifix is viewed at certain angles and lighting. It’s possible that some of the imperfections are a result of the manufacturing and painting processes, or characteristics of the wood. 

Please review the photos carefully as they constitute part of the description. The item is offered “as is.” Please contact me if you have any questions or if you would like additional photos. Thank you for your interest in this item. 

Please note: If possible, I will combine shipping if multiple items are purchased. If you purchase more than one item, please wait to receive a combined shipping invoice before paying to help facilitate this process. Thank you. 

D-1-0791 Box 1