Coral crucifix with theca, Southern Italy, late 18th century

Dimensions of Jesus Christ: 9 x 4 cm. Height x width x depth with casket: 5 x 22.5 x 15 cm. Total weight: 250 g.

carved in Mediterranean coral (Corallium Rubrum), without a cross, but in the typical crucifixion position.
The arms are outstretched, highlighting the musculature, and the hands appear open, although some fingers are partially missing. The head, lacking a crown of thorns, tilts toward the right shoulder and faces upward; the soft hair falls over the shoulders, and the eyes appear open. The legs of the Crucifix are parallel and slightly bent forward, with the feet showing signs of the stigmata. The intimate parts are covered by a loincloth with a lateral drape.
The figure of the Savior is enclosed in a gilded wooden case decorated with leaf motifs and rests on a brown fabric adorned with brown lace ovals.
On the back side, at the cardinal points, there are traces of sealing wax, an inscription and the date 1795