LOT 0357

Scandinavian Viking Period Silver-Gilt Corpus Christi

CIRCA 11TH CENTURY A.D.

4 1/2 in. (70 grams, 11.7 cm wide).

Modelled in the half-round with elongated arms and exaggerated hands, head tilted and eyes downcast in solemn expression, long hair falling on his shoulders in hanks; wearing a knee-length pleated garment, secured to the waist with a thick knotted rope, gilt roundels to hands and feet to indicate wounds; attaches to lot 358.

From the collection of an antiquarian and collector of medieval art.
Acquired on the London art market.
Private collection, London, UK.

Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12731-234561.
This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Cf. similar Corpus Christi on the crosses from the Book of Aribert of Intimiano (1018-1045), and in the Church of Helmstedt, Niedersachsen, Kloster of St.Liudger, in Romisch-Germanischen Zentralmuseum Mainz (RGZM), Das Reich der Salier, 1024-1125, Sigmaringen, 1992, pp.381-383; see also a very similar crucifix with crowned Christ, copper-coated wood, c. 1050-1100, in Åby monastry near Århus, Denmark.

The magnificent crucifix is paralleled by two wonderful crucifixes in the Danish Churches of Århus and Lisbjerg. In accordance with the old tradition derived from Byzantium, Christ is depicted as alive, standing in front of his cross, with nailed hands. It may have once been part of an altar decoration or rather have been placed above or in the chancel arch of a church.