Antique Italian Crucifix

This is a lovely late 19th century Italian crucifix. Brass, rubbed. Naples, Italy.

The graceful figure of Christ is attached to the cross, with the imagery of a very worn skull and crossbones below. A skull beneath Christ’s feet traditionally representsAdam’s skull. Christian tradition placed Adam’s burial at Golgotha (meaning the Place of the Skull) where Jesus was crucified. This representation connects Adam’s mortality with Christ’s redemption of humanity. Museums identify the same motif on other crucifixes. 

The crucifix displays heavy wear and rubbing. it was most likely attached at some stage at top and bottom to backing material such as a case or a larger wood crucifix, but it has also been worn as a pendant, as evidenced by the considerable wear at the top hole. 

This is a wearable and collectable piece of Christian art.

Measurements: height 6.6 cm, width at arms of cross 3.7 cm, height of raised decoration 0.7 cm