Vintage c.1950s German Brass Crucifix – Large 11¾" INRI Wall Cross – Made in Germany
A handsome and unusually substantial vintage German brass crucifix, measuring approximately 11¾" tall × 5¼" wide, with a beautifully modeled three-dimensional corpus of Christ, separate raised INRI plaque, long slender brass cross, and original hanging loop at the top.
Dating approximately to the 1950s–early 1960s, this is a wonderful example of the religious devotional objects produced in Germany during the postwar period. The reverse is stamped “Made in Germany.”
What really makes this example appealing is its construction. Rather than the heavier, plainer crosses often encountered, the cross itself is formed from narrow rectangular brass stock with a wonderfully irregular hammered/faceted surface. It catches the light beautifully and gives the piece a somewhat hand-worked, almost Modernist appearance while retaining the traditional form of the Catholic crucifix.
The corpus of Christ is separately cast and quite detailed, particularly for a production devotional piece. Note the deeply modeled hair and crown of thorns, downcast face, individually formed fingers, extended arms, anatomical modeling of the torso, heavily folded loincloth or perizonium, and crossed feet. Small rounded fasteners at the hands and feet secure the corpus to the cross.
Above Christ is the separately applied rectangular INRI plaque, executed in bold raised lettering. INRI represents the Latin inscription:
Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum
“Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.”
The plaque itself has a wonderfully strong Mid-Century appearance, with deeply formed stylized letters surrounded by a raised rectangular border.
The unusually long, narrow lower shaft gives the crucifix an elegant vertical profile. At nearly a foot tall, it has considerably more presence than the small bedside and personal devotional crucifixes commonly encountered.
Approximate Date: c.1950s–early 1960s
Origin: Germany
Material: Brass / brass-tone metal
Overall Size: 11¾" T × 5¼" W
Marking: “Made in Germany” stamped on reverse
Mounting: Original integral hanging loop
Subject: Crucifixion of Jesus Christ with INRI plaque
Condition
Very nice vintage condition overall with natural age-related patina, oxidation, surface variation and minor wear consistent with an older devotional object. The brass retains a lovely warm golden tone with darker areas that accentuate the modeling of Christ and give the piece considerable character.
The corpus, INRI plaque and hanging hardware appear intact. Please examine the numerous close-up photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.
A striking nearly 12-inch German crucifix with excellent sculptural detail, beautiful aged brass surfaces and a particularly attractive long, slender silhouette. A wonderful piece for a collection of vintage Catholic devotional objects, Christian religious art, German religious antiques, ecclesiastical décor, or simply for continued use as a wall crucifix.
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