Italian boxwood Crucifix, Sicily, 17th-18th century

Corpus Christi made of boxwood, mounted on a wooden cross; the finials, top section, and foot of the cross are made of gilded wood, decorated with cherubs in relief and volute motifs. The transverse arm and the “Calvary” section are enriched with gilded metal elements worked in reverse inlay, featuring small Mediterranean coral commas (Corallium rubrum).
At the intersection of the two arms of the cross, there is also a small square of tortoiseshell (hawksbill sea turtle, Eretmochelys imbricata, Cheloniidae) in which four cherub heads—also in Mediterranean coral—are set
At the top of the cross there is a wooden cartouche with the Titulus Crucis I.N.R.I. (Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudeorum, which literally translates as ‘Jesus Nazarene, King of the Jews’), rectangular in shape and arranged horizontally in an undulating manner, reminiscent of a scroll.
The figure of the Saviour is studied in anatomical detail: the arms are extended, with the musculature well highlighted; the hands, open, are nailed to the cross by pyramid-shaped nails.
The head, crowned with thorns, is slightly inclined towards the right shoulder, with a downward gaze and a suffering expression, reminiscent of the Imago Pietatis, a representation of the crucifixion used since the 14th century.
The bust, slightly leaning forward, emphasises the ribs and well-defined musculature.
The parallel, slightly bent legs end with the feet nailed together on the cross with a single protruding nail, also pyramidal in shape.
The intimate parts are covered by a loincloth, enriched by a side drape knotted on the right side.