Crucifix

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Rather than emphasizing his pain and suffering on the cross, this image presents Christ in glory, alive, eyes wide open. He wears a full-length robe connoting his kingly and priestly rank. This type of crucifix is known as the Volto Santo (Holy Face). It is a copy of a sculpture in Lucca, Italy. The Lucca crucifix was likely made in the 700s, but medieval legend held that it was made by Nicodemus, a disciple of Jesus who witnessed the Crucifixion.

Medieval Art and The Cloisters

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Museum's collection of medieval and Byzantine art is among the most comprehensive in the world. Displayed in both The Met Fifth Avenue and in the Museum's branch in northern Manhattan, The Met Cloisters, the collection encompasses the art of the Mediterranean and Europe from the fall of Rome in the fourth century to the beginning of the Renaissance in the early sixteenth century. It also includes pre-medieval European works of art created during the Bronze Age and early Iron Age.

Metropolitan Museum of Art