Double-Sided Processional Cross
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Object Label
Both sides of this crucifix show the bleeding Christ on the cross. One side depicts him, alive, with his left eye open and Mary Magdalene at his feet. The other side portrays him after death, with both eyes closed, with a pelican above to symbolize his Resurrection. Originally, this crucifix was likely attached to a pole and carried in processions among the faithful, allowing them to sequentially experience both moments in the narrative.
Ethiopian Christians came to Italy in the early 1300s to forge anti-Muslim alliances with Europe. By the early 1400s, Ethiopian monks lived in Rome and other regions of Italy. They would have seen objects such as this, which evoked their own processional
crosses, like those on view nearby.
Caption
Master of Monte del Lago (Italian, School of Umbria, second quarter 14th century). Double-Sided Processional Cross, 2nd quarter of the 14th century. Tempera and gold on panel, 39 1/16 x 16 9/16 x 4 5/8 in. (99.2 x 42.1 x 11.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mary Babbott Ladd, Lydia Babbott Stokes, and Frank L. Babbott, Jr. in memory of their father Frank L. Babbott, 34.845. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Artist
Title
Double-Sided Processional Cross
Date
2nd quarter of the 14th century
Geography
Place made: Umbria, Italy
Medium
Tempera and gold on panel
Classification
Dimensions
39 1/16 x 16 9/16 x 4 5/8 in. (99.2 x 42.1 x 11.7 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Mary Babbott Ladd, Lydia Babbott Stokes, and Frank L. Babbott, Jr. in memory of their father Frank L. Babbott
Accession Number
34.845
Frequent Art Questions
Tell me more.
This cross would be carried during liturgical processions, such as before mass on special feast days and saints' days. Crosses like this would be raised up high on a tall staff so that it could be seen by a crowd of people.If you look closely, one side of the cross is topped with the motif of a pelican piercing its breast to feed its young with its blood. This was a popular symbol of the sacrifice of Christ and the virtue of charitable self-sacrifice during the late medieval and early Renaissance period.Tell me more.
This cross would be carried during liturgical processions, such as before mass on special feast days and saints' days.It would have been raised up high on a tall pole so that it could be seen by a crowd of people.If you look closely, you will see that the painted scenes represent Christ shortly before and after his death.We just saw the movie The Shape of Water and the wounds on Christ look just like the ones on the creature. Do you think the filmmaker had an image like this in mind?
I made that connection too while watching the movie! I haven't read anything about the director's intention but it seems like such a clear reference. The imagery of Christ's wounds is ubiquitous and I am confident that Guillermo del Toro has seen imagery like this before.
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