431
Crucifix
Italy; beginning 17th c.

The still living Christ hangs on the Cross with His eyes open, arms widespread, head turned to the right and bent backwards. An almost imperceptible shift of His chest to the right and slightly bent legs give His body a barely visible S-line. The loincloth is tied on His right hip with its end hanging freely.

The Classical ideal of beauty of the human body and the anatomic study of forms found in Renaissance Crucifixion scenes made way for pathos and theatricality with the advent of Baroque, as largely shown by this Crucifix.