Loading
Corpus (Crucified Christ)
late 1800s-early 1900s
The Cleveland Museum of Art
Cleveland, United States
One of two Christian-inspired objects in the Delenne collection identifying the far-reaching networks of trade, diplomacy, religion, and cross-cultural exchange. Kongo Christian symbols were created as spiritual tools to help explain and alleviate the turbulent situation between Central African religion and Catholicism. This figurine is geometric in style, combining both Christian ideals and preexisting Kongo artistic practices. Its pierced hands and feet link him to crucifixion images.
Show lessRead more
Download this artwork (provided by The Cleveland Museum of Art).
Learn more about this artwork.
Details
- Title: Corpus (Crucified Christ)
- Date Created: late 1800s-early 1900s
- Physical Dimensions: Overall: 16.5 x 12.5 x 2.5 cm (6 1/2 x 4 15/16 x 1 in.)
- Provenance: Charles Ralet, Brussels, BE, 1945, sold to Jef and René Vanderstraete, Jef and René Vanderstraete, Lasne, BE, 1959, sold to René and Odette Delenne, René [1901-1998] and Odette Delenne [1925-2012], Brussels, BE, 2010, sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art, The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH, 2010
- Type: Sculpture
- Rights: CC0
- External Link: https://clevelandart.org/art/2010.445
- Medium: Copper alloy
- Fun Fact: This figure combines Kongo artists’ attention to symmetry with the Western depiction of Christ, lifeless on the cross.
- Department: African Art
- Culture: Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo or Cabinda, Kongo people
- Credit Line: René and Odette Delenne Collection, Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund
- Collection: African Art
- Accession Number: 2010.445
Get the app
Explore museums and play with Art Transfer, Pocket Galleries, Art Selfie, and more
