This small bronze sculpture of Christ on the Cross was made to be placed on the altar during Mass. The crucifix was originally completely gilded and would have appeared as a glimmering, if diminutive, precious object. This type of crucifix became common in the eleventh and twelfth centuries in response to changes in liturgy which encouraged the placement of crosses on altars. Religious texts of around 1100 state that a cross acts as a focus for prayer, a visual reminder of the Christ’s suffering, and an encouragement to the congregation.

Isabella Stewart Gardner was drawn to religious art and acquired a significant number of crosses and crucifixes. This is the first complete bronze Romanesque crucifix to enter an American museum. The body of Christ is still attached to its cross, and at the bottom is the original iron pin that allowed the cross to be inserted into a base or a slot in the altar.

Source: Alan Chong, "Crucifix," in Eye of the Beholder, edited by Alan Chong et al. (Boston: ISGM and Beacon Press, 2003): 19.

Probably purchased in 1897 in Venice.