Crucifix
Category
Wooden objects
Date
1886
Materials
Wood and mother-of-pearl.
Measurements
560 x 160 mm
Order this imageCollection
Sandham Memorial Chapel, Hampshire
NT 790173
Caption
This altar cross was made in a workshop in Bethlehem. It is decorated with figures from bible stories. At some point in the past some areas of the mother-of-pearl inlay have been repaired with Chinese gambling chips.
Summary
A wooden crucifix inlaid with mother of pearl and a triangular base. Gifted by Lord Justice Henry Slessor to the Behrend family in 1927 following the dedication of the Chapel.
Full description
Hagiology done in 2010 by unknown. Christ crucified between the four Evangelists And his mother (below) as Our Lady of Sorrows Triangle base shows: St Anthony of Padua, St Francis of Assisi (These were probably patron saints of the crucifix's owner or donor and Maria Assumpta. On arms of cross: St Matthew (Evangelist) with his angel symbol, St Mark (Evangelist) with his lion symbol The bottom length of the cross: St Luke (Evangelist) with his bull symbol above Our Lady of Sorrows (“A sword will pierce thy heart.” Simeon’s prophecy.) Easter symbolism. Our Lord is risen – Risen Christ depicted with grave cloths (these were left in the tomb however but may be shown for propriety). Note the pennant on the Cross. This ties in well with the overall story that the Crucific is telling. However, this panel is more difficult to interpret as the Paschal Lamb (beneath) suggests the above but the Risen Christ is normally depicted with the Stigmata on hands and feet, so this might be a representation of St John the Baptist and who also carries a pennanted Cross. The frilly bits of cloth look more like clothing than grave cloths. Top of the cross: St John (Evangelist) with his Eagle symbol Centre of cross: The Holy Spirit in the form of the Dove above our Lady of the Immaculate Conception (with angels). The serpent beneath her symbolises the quote from Genesis about the Woman (as Eve) bruising the Serpent’s head The Crucifix shows a particular message of the relationship between Christ and his Mother.
Provenance
Came into the care of the Sandham Memorial Trust in 1927 as a gift from Henry Slesser. Ownership transferred to National Trust with the donation of Sandham Memorial Chapel in 1947.