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Carrizo Christ

Carrizo Christ is an ivory reliquary statuette showing Christ on the cross in the attitude of Christ in Majesty, without signs of suffering. It was made in León during the Romanesque period. The figure is notable for its large head, penetrating gaze, finely braided hair, and the drapery of the perizoma. Its sculptor may have been a pupil of the artist who made another work mentioned in the source. The original was long kept at an unspecified location and is now preserved in an unspecified museum or institution. A polychrome birch copy, five times larger than the original, was made by the sculptor José Lonjos and is kept in Carrizo, where it is sometimes carried in procession.

Carrizo Christ, a carved figure of Christ with outstretched arms, beard, braided hair, and a waist garment.
Carrizo Christ shown with outstretched arms and a pale carved surface.
April 2017 © · CC0
Carrizo Christ carved ivory figure with outstretched arms on a dark cross-shaped background
Carrizo Christ, a carved ivory figure of Christ shown with outstretched arms.
December 2015 © · CC BY 2.0
Carrizo Christ crucifix sculpture with a light-colored figure, dark cross, large eyes, beard, and decorative loincloth
Carrizo Christ shown as a light-colored crucifix figure with a dark cross and visible surface cracks.
December 2015 © · CC BY 2.0
Carrizo Christ crucifix with outstretched arms, carved details, and a decorated loincloth displayed in a case.
Carrizo Christ, an 11th-century crucifix, shown in the Museum of León.
February 2014 © · CC BY 4.0
Carrizo Christ sculpture showing a carved head with wavy hair and a full beard.
Carrizo Christ, a close-up of the carved head and upper torso with wavy hair and a full beard.
March 2007 © lugarzen · CC BY-SA 2.0

Identification

TitleCarrizo Christ
TypeRomanesque ivory reliquary statuette
Original nameCristo de Carrizo

Historical context

Date12th century
Style periodRomanesque

Creator

MakerUnknown; possibly a disciple or student of the sculptor of the Crucifix of Don Fernando and Doña Sancha

Discovery and provenance

Former locationFormer Cistercian nunnery of Santa María de Carrizo de la Ribera, where it was long kept
CopyPolychromed birch wood copy, five times larger than the original, made by sculptor José Lonjos in Carrizo for procession use
Made inLeón
OriginCistercian monastery of Santa María de Carrizo de la Ribera, Carrizo de la Ribera, León, Spain

Location and ownership

Current locationMuseo de León, León, Spain

Physical characteristics

HairFinely braided; falls over the shoulders; geometrically stylized
Relic cavitiesCavities in the back and knees intended to store relics
Reverse sideBack left uncarved because it was not meant to be seen
SupportOriginal cross lost; replaced by a modern cross
Decorative detailsHoles remain for setting precious stones in the belt and lower border
LoinclothFalls to the knees; carefully carved; draped
BeardGeometrically stylized
AnatomySoftly modeled
Facial expressionDoes not show pain
EyesLarge, wide open, with black-jet eyes
HeadLarge
DepictionChrist on the cross, alive, in a Christ in Majesty pose, with four nails and no signs of suffering
Figure representedChrist
Height33 cm
Hands and feetOut of proportion to the rest of the body

Materials

MaterialIvory

Appearance

Stylistic featuresLarge head, penetrating gaze, finely braided hair, and draping of the loincloth
General impressionImpressive

Significance

Artistic assessmentConsidered a masterpiece