Gero Crucifix

Ottonian period, c. 970 CE. Cologne Cathedral, Germany. Painted and gilded wood.

This piece is one of few wooden works surviving from its time, and stands at a monumental 6'2". As opposed to previous crucifixion scenes, where dignity and victory are the central focus, this piece serves to evoke emotion from the viewer. We are not meant to view this piece without feeling a deep sense of the pain that Christ endured on the cross, as he is depicted as lifeless with a grimacing face. This piece re-introduced sculpture in the round, which had become scarce after the Classical Period in Europe.

Within the church that it was placed, this piece was thought to have healing powers, since supposedly there was a fragment of the Holy Cross placed within the carved cross. This piece also carries the Eucharist, the Holy Bread used for communion, within the head.

Image:
"Gero Crucifix". University of Michigan. Available at http://www-personal.umich.edu/~mxb/gerico_cross.html. Accessed 17 July 2006.

Sources:
"Gero Crucifix". Cologne Cathedral Website. Available online at http://www.koelner-dom.de/16854.html?&L=1. Accessed 17 July 2006.

"Gero Crucifix". Michigan State University Website. Available online at http://www.msu.edu/~wursterj/gero_crucifix.htm. Accessed 17 July 2006.