Jean de Boulogne detto Giambologna (Douai, 1529 - Firenze, 1608)in the way of
Christ crucified, Probably 17th century
Giambologna devoted himself to the subject of the Christ crucified, pioneering a new canon in which proportion and balance replaced the representation of pain (Avery).
Some examples are a diplomatic gift from Grand Duke Ferdinand I for Duke Wilhelm V of Bavaria, life-size, now in St. Michael's Church in Munich; almost identical to the previous one at Madonna del Soccorso chapel, Giambologna’s family shrine, in the Convent of SS. Annunziata in Florence; a gift to the confraternity of the Convent Santa Maria degli Angiolini, Florence, measuring 46.8 x 37.2; its copy, probably finished by Susini, at the Convent of San Marco, Salviati Chapel, measuring 45.8 x 36.3 and another almost identical specimen in Siena Cathedral.
Giambologna's foundry also produced many bronze and silver Christs which functioned as diplomatic gifts or for private devotion, measuring around 30 cm. Scholars have determined that they were mostly produced by collaborators, especially Antonio Susini or his specialized assistant.
This Crucifix could belong to this type of production because of its model, the quality of execution, beautiful patination and size. Note the beautiful head covered with splendid ringed curls. The nails of the hands are poorly finished.
Patricia Wengraf, with contributions by Denise Allen, Claudia Kryza-Gersch, Dimitrios Zikos and Rupert Harris, Renaissance and Baroques from the Hill Collection - Paul Hoberton Publishing, London, 2014, pp.158-163.