Antique Golgotha Cross, Nickel Plated Bronze, Handmade With Bronze Corpus Christi, Ebony Inlay, Early 19th Century, 11x 4.5 cm
This is an absolutely beautiful example of a late 17th century or very early 18th century Golgotha crucifix. It is made from solid bronze which has been plated in nickel and it has an ebony insert.
As you can see from the photographs the piercing of the bail is from back to front so this was made for a family to attach to a coffin and was presented back to the family at the end of the service.
It is wonderfully detailed and the figure of Christ is exceptional. This was made by a master craftsman. Naturally, it has been much used over the centuries but that just adds to its charm.
It is entirely hand made.
The hill where Christ was crucified was called the hill of Golgotha or Golgotha (The Place of the Skull) long before the time of Christ. The ancients, the Jews believed it was called Golgotha because this was where the skull of Adam was buried. This tradition of Adam's skull became known as The Place of the Skull. This is depicted by the skull and crossbones which adorns the foot of this cross. On the reverse is the Sacre Coeur.
This exceptional piece measures 11 cm by 4.5 cm not including the bail.
