Crucifix Known As The “plomb De Seine.” 16th Century.

Lead crucifix known as “Plomb de Seine” – 16th century.

Christ, depicted in relief in a particularly expressive folk style, has stylized anatomy: a tilted head, strongly defined ribs, a perizonium tied at the waist, parallel legs, and feet resting on a suppedaneum. The hands are fastened to the cross by two protruding nails. An eyelet at the top allowed the object to be hung.
These small lead objects were found in large numbers in the bed of the Seine, particularly during dredging operations and major construction projects in Paris in the 19th century. As early as the 1850s, the collector Arthur Forgeais assembled a considerable collection of them, part of which subsequently entered the collections of the Musée de Cluny.
The “Seine lead objects” consist mainly of medallions, pilgrimage badges, religious figurines, and objects associated with guilds.