Sculptural 18th century Italian cross with fossil agate coral and mounted on fossil coral. The fossil agate coral and fossil coral are put together with the 18th century cross to look as though the piece evolved together over time. A matching piece of agate coral is placed on either side of the arms of the cross and there are druzy crystals inside. Another piece of agate coral is placed at the head of the cross to emulate the "titulus crucis" or plaque that usually reads INRI on crucifixes. The piece is also adorned with a cross-shaped baroque pearl and a nail which is in a pocket of the coral base. This piece of coral in particular is very rare as it has two different colors coinciding with one another.
The Italian cross is preserved and transformed into a figurative, contemporary work of art. With the combination of the precious minerals, the church artifact becomes a sculptural work of historic and organic significance. Interi is known for it's precious collections of sculptural ecclesiastical artifacts. Recently Interi exhibited The Crucifix Collection with Museo de' Medici in Florence, Italy which just closed April 21st, 2024.
Size: 29 in high x 16 in wide x 8 in deep
