20th Century Folk Art Handmade Tramp Art Crucifix, 1890s

Details

Description

An exceptional, unique, and highly detailed Tramp Art crucifix featuring a metal corpus; the cross is handmade from pieces of … Read more An exceptional, unique, and highly detailed Tramp Art crucifix featuring a metal corpus; the cross is handmade from pieces of notched wood—a rare folk art collector's item from the early 20th century.

Tramp Art is a beautiful form of folk art; anyone could create a Tramp Art object using whatever scrap wood was at hand—ranging from small boxes and frames to large, functional furniture. Consequently, these unique items hold significant collector value and are highly sought after.

Tramp Art is a woodworking style that emerged in America during the second half of the 19th century. Defining characteristics include chip carving or incised carving, the repurposing of inexpensive or readily available wood (such as that from cigar boxes and shipping crates), the use of simple tools like pocketknives, and the layering of materials into geometric shapes using glue or nails.

This particular piece is finely detailed and intricately carved from wood; it features a metal or pewter corpus of Christ surrounded by the Instruments of the Passion. The ladder and the lance/sponge: positioned behind the cross, used during the Crucifixion and to take Christ down from the cross. The rooster: visible at the bottom right, symbolizing Peter’s denial of Christ. The crown of thorns: hanging directly behind the center of the cross. The skull and crossbones: located at the foot of the cross, symbolizing Golgotha ​​(the "Place of the Skull") and the skull of Adam. The hammer and pincers: used for driving in and removing nails. The chalice: symbolizing the Holy Grail or the Last Supper. The robe or shroud: elegantly draped over the upper arms of the cross. The die / the number '30': Refers to the thirty pieces of silver for which Judas betrayed Jesus, or to the Roman soldiers casting lots for Jesus's tunic.

This object is in very good antique condition, showing only minor signs of age and use consistent with the material and age; a few small pieces are missing from the front—please check the photos for details!

Dimensions: 20 x 15 x 56 cm.

Weight: 1.003 kg. See less