Crucifix

Abstract

This crucifix in Santa Maria del Popolo in Cittaducale is one of several created by the workshop of the German sculptor active in Italy known as Giovanni Teutonico that survive in Lazio. The work follows Giovanni Teutonico's crucifixes (if in a somewhat cruder vein) in the folds of the loincloth, lean but muscular body, criss-crossed with raised veins (likely made by laying blue strings in the gesso before the flesh was painted), delicately carved curling hair, and open mouth. The tongue, visible inside the cavity of the mouth, was likely hinged so that it could move up and down during sacred ritual reenactments of the Crucifixion, as is the case for many of Giovanni Teutonico's crucifixes. The wound in the torso also looks as if it might lead to a cavity in the chest, and so could be caused to bleed in the same ceremonies. The hands and feet do not survive.