Art Deco Crucifix, Spelter Corpus Christi Mounted On Bronze With an Oak Cross Inlaid With Bronze 30 Centimetres
A beautiful oak wall cross onto which is set a crucifix that has on the left a Griffin, at the top and eagle, on the right a winged ox and at the foot an angel. The reason for these being on the cross is explained below.
When the image of the Griffin was taken up by Christians it became a surprising symbol of Christ. According to the Academy of Classical Christian Studies, “The griffin became for [Christians] a rich symbol of the two natures of Christ Himself: the eagle, which is lord of the sky, reminds us of the divine nature, while the lion, which is lord of the earth (the ‘king of beasts’), reminds us of the human nature. Together, they remind us that our Lord is the true King of the heavens and the earth.”
Saint Isidore even notes how, “Christ is Lion because He reigns and has strength; Eagle, because after the Resurrection He rises into Heaven.”
The griffin is also closely connected to the book of Revelation, where it is mentioned: “And round the throne, on each side of the throne, are four living creatures … the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with the face of a man, and the fourth living creature like a flying eagle” (Revelation 4:6-7).
For medieval artists the griffin was a popular image to put in manuscripts as well as in churches. Its depth of meaning proved it to be a worthy symbol for Christian art.
It is truly a wonderful piece and in excellent condition.
The Corpus Christi measures 11 cm by 8 cm and the cross is 30 cm by 17.5 cm.
A beautiful oak wall cross onto which is set a crucifix that has on the left a Griffin, at the top and eagle, on the right a winged ox and at the foot an angel. The reason for these being on the cross is explained below.
When the image of the Griffin was taken up by Christians it became a surprising symbol of Christ. According to the Academy of Classical Christian Studies, “The griffin became for [Christians] a rich symbol of the two natures of Christ Himself: the eagle, which is lord of the sky, reminds us of the divine nature, while the lion, which is lord of the earth (the ‘king of beasts’), reminds us of the human nature. Together, they remind us that our Lord is the true King of the heavens and the earth.”
Saint Isidore even notes how, “Christ is Lion because He reigns and has strength; Eagle, because after the Resurrection He rises into Heaven.”
The griffin is also closely connected to the book of Revelation, where it is mentioned: “And round the throne, on each side of the throne, are four living creatures … the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with the face of a man, and the fourth living creature like a flying eagle” (Revelation 4:6-7).
For medieval artists the griffin was a popular image to put in manuscripts as well as in churches. Its depth of meaning proved it to be a worthy symbol for Christian art.
It is truly a wonderful piece and in excellent condition.
The Corpus Christi measures 11 cm by 8 cm and the cross is 30 cm by 17.5 cm.
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