A lead Christ with a wooden core, 15th century

Christ : 44 x 33
socle : 19 x 12 x 55 cm

Our sculpture representing a Christ on the cross is made of lead, a relatively rare material for this type of depiction, especially one preserved in such condition.
Christ is shown in a traditional crucifixion posture: arms outstretched, head tilted downward, legs slightly bent and crossed.
He is clothed in a simple perizonium (a cloth around the hips) and wears a stylized crown of thorns.
The piece conveys great expressiveness despite its simplicity and the visible wear due to time.
The sculpture rests on a contemporary base.

One also notices the absence of the actual cross: the body stands on its own, supported vertically by a wooden core hidden at the back.
A "wooden core" refers to an internal structure that supports or reinforces a work, especially when it is made of metal or composite materials.

In this case, the wooden core serves as the central support for the lead sculpture, which is a relatively soft and malleable material, especially over time.
Without this wooden core, the figure could bend under its own weight, particularly the outstretched arms.

This technique was common in medieval sculpture, especially between the 13th and 15th centuries. It allowed the lead to be shaped around the wood, combining the solidity of the wood with the malleability of the lead.

Dating from the 15th century, this work belongs to a period of intense piety, marked by a desire to depict Christ’s suffering in a poignant and realistic manner.

The emphasis here is on Christ’s humanity, with a refined anatomy, protruding ribs, and a painful yet dignified posture.
Such representations were often placed in churches, chapels, or even private oratories.