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Crucifix by Benvenuto Cellini

Crucifix by Benvenuto Cellini is a sculptural representation of the crucified Christ, made in white Carrara marble between 1559 and 1562. It is currently displayed in the Basilica of El Escorial, set on a black marble cross superimposed on a wooden one. In a bold choice for its time, Cellini depicted the figure in full nudity without the usual loincloth, though the genital area is often covered for reasons of religious decorum. The sculpture measures 184 centimeters in height and 186 centimeters across. Christ’s head is slightly inclined to the right, and no crown of thorns is shown. The anatomy is rendered with strong realism.

Benvenuto Cellini crucifix in white marble, showing Christ on a dark cross with INRI at the top.
Benvenuto Cellini’s Crucifix in white Carrara marble, displayed on a dark cross.
November 2015 © José Luis Filpo Cabana · CC BY 3.0
Benvenuto Cellini crucifix showing a white marble Christ figure on a dark wooden cross with INRI at the top.
Benvenuto Cellini’s crucifix in the Basilica of El Escorial, depicting Christ on a dark wooden cross.
© I took this picture myself · CC BY-SA 3.0
Benvenuto Cellini crucifix showing a white marble Christ on a dark wooden cross with an INRI plaque above.
Benvenuto Cellini’s crucifix, a white marble Christ figure on a dark wooden cross.
January 2025 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cellini Crucifix showing a white marble Christ figure on a dark wooden cross
Cellini’s Crucifix in close-up, with the white marble figure of Christ mounted on a dark cross.
July 2016 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Black and white photograph of a crucifix sculpture showing a nude bearded figure with outstretched arms against a dark background.
A black and white photograph of a crucifix sculpture with a nude bearded figure suspended against a dark background.
© Alfred W Fred · Public domain

Identification

TitleCrucifix of Benvenuto Cellini
TypeCrucifix

Creator

ArtistBenvenuto Cellini

Historical context

Original intended useMade for Cellini's own tomb
Bequest of worksAll his finished and unfinished sculptures were left in his will to Francesco I de' Medici
Date of will1555
Intended burial placeBasilica of Santa Maria Novella, Florence
Cellini's account sourceDescribed in Cellini's Vita
Reason for imprisonmentAccused of stealing gems from the papal tiara after the Sack of Rome
Imprisonment locationRome, first at Tor di Nona and then at Castel Sant'Angelo
Context of creationCreated after a period of spiritual desolation during Cellini's imprisonment in Rome
Origin of conceptBased on a wax model Cellini made after a vision while imprisoned in Rome in 1539
Date madeBetween 1559 and 1562

Discovery and provenance

Destination in SpainSan Lorenzo de El Escorial
Arrival date11 November 1576, the eve of Saint Martin's Day
Transportation to SpainOn 9 November 1576 Philip II ordered it brought to El Pardo, and Batista Cabrera then carried it with fifty men to San Lorenzo de El Escorial
Purpose of giftTo complete Philip II's church of San Lorenzo de El Escorial
Acquired byCosimo I de' Medici, who saw it in Cellini's workshop and offered to buy it
Year gifted1576
DonorFrancesco I de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany
Donated toKing Philip II of Spain
Former collectionPalazzo Pitti collection

Physical characteristics

Body appearanceRendered with great realism and described as luminous
InscriptionAn inscription is on the foot of the sculpture
HeadgearNo crown of thorns
CoveringThe genitals are usually covered with a cloth for religious modesty, which can be removed
NudityCompletely nude, without the usual loincloth
Facial expressionMouth and eyes slightly open, as if after exhaling the last breath
PoseArms spread; head slightly inclined to the right
Figure depictedChrist crucified
Dimensions184 cm high and 186 cm in span

Materials

Main materialWhite Carrara marble
Cross materialBlack marble
Support structureThe Christ figure is displayed on a black marble cross superimposed on a wooden cross
Model materialWax

Technique

Source of formBased on the wax model Cellini kept after his release

Location and ownership

Current condition of displayUsually exhibited with the genitals covered for religious modesty
Current display settingDisplayed on a black marble cross superimposed on a wooden cross
Display traditionSince the work has been in Spain, its intimate parts have continued to be covered with a cloth
Current settingDisplayed in the Chapel of the Doctors of the Church in the basilica, on the counterfacade left side
Current locationBasilica of El Escorial, Spain

History and restoration

Restoration date1994
Post-restoration locationChapel of the Doctors of the Church, left side of the basilica's counterfacade

Significance

Rarity of depictionA nude representation of Christ is very uncommon
Historical noteAn audacious choice for the time to depict Christ in full nudity
Comparative referencesNotable comparable works by Michelangelo include the Crucifix of Santo Spirito, the Last Judgment in the Sistine Chapel, and Christ of the Minerva, which also faced prudish censorship
Associated visionA radiant sun that expanded into a luminous sphere containing images of a crucified Christ, the Madonna and Child enthroned, and Saint Peter
Associated figures in visionChrist crucified, the Madonna and Child, and Saint Peter
Associated written workCellini's book Benevenuto Celino, del modo que se ha de tener para labrar en mármor, in which he described carving the work and claimed it was the first crucifix piece carved up to that day
Associated poemsTwo Tuscan sonnets were included at the end of Cellini's book
Source descriptionFray Antonio de Villacastín described the crucifix in the monastery chronicle
Historical contextConnected to Cellini's spiritual crisis and visionary experience in prison