Roman Christ - Spain, 12th Century

Carved cypress wood, partially polychrome,
tempera – traces of repainting – H. 45 x W. 45 cm approximately

Rare figure of Christ on the cross in Romanesque style, carved in cypress wood, of typical Iberian style of the 12th century.
The body, carved in the shape of a cross, presents the famous position in “Christus triumphans”, arms widely outstretched, frontal and solemn gaze. The face, marked by large brow ridges and deep eyes, embodies the Romanesque symbolism of a Christ master of the world, not suffering but glorious. The piece is partially polychrome, painted in tempera in sober tones of brown, ochre, red and ivory, with visible repainting, notably on the arms. We note a treatment of the vertical and rigid drapery, typical of Spanish Romanesque sculptures. The state of preservation is good for its age: the feet and some phalanges are missing, as well as traces of restoration on the back of the arms (old collages are visible). This type of sculpture was intended to be hung as a cross of glory (triumphal crucifix) above the nave in the Romanesque churches of Spain (Catalonia, León, Aragon). It is part of the tradition of the Catalan Majestats, influenced by Mozarabic and Byzantine productions. This triumphal Christ symbolizes the resurrection, unlike the suffering Christ of the Gothic. The rigid, hieratic style, the simple but powerful volumes, the schematic treatment of the beard and hair by parallel incisions, as well as the frontality of the expression, make it a representative example of 12th-century Romanesque art. Period: 12th centuryPresumed origin: Spain (probably northeast or León)Wood: cypress, carvedPaint: partially preserved tempera, traces of repaintingPolychromy: ochre, red, brown, ivoryDimensions: approximately 45 x 45 cmCondition: Missing feet and phalanges, visible restorations on the back (gluing of the arms)Mounting: Probably suspended or fixed to a liturgical supportThis type of figure is similar to famous examples preserved in museums:Majestat Batlló, Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (Barcelona)Crucifix from the cloister of Santo Domingo de SilosRomanesque Christ from the Museum of Sacred Art in VicThese sculptures play a fundamental role in understanding the visual theology of the Western Middle Ages and are highly sought after by collectors, museums or foundations specializing in Romanesque art. With its expressive power, quality of execution, and rarity, this Christ is a precious testament to Romanesque statuary. Its preservation, although incomplete, remains legible and authentic, and its visual presence is striking, enhanced by the contrast between the polished and painted surfaces. Given its rarity, precise dating, and appeal to lovers of Romanesque and early sacred art, the asking price is justified and competitive on the international market.

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