German, Rhine-Maas area, 12th century

with a label inscribed: Em. Théodore Lille and another numbered: 1108 to the reverse

Found in the early 20th century near Wissant, France;
Emile Theodore, Lille;
and thence by descent.

'Observations sur une figure de christ en croix en bronze doré du XIIe siècle trouvée a Wissant', Bulletin de la Commission Départementale des Monuments historiques du Pas-de-Calais, 1925

Overall the condition of the bronze is good. There is wear and dirt consistent with age and greening and some minor encrustation consistent with being found in the ground. There is some rubbing to the patina at the feet and perezonium. There is a small area of scratches around the proper left knee. The nails in the hands remain.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The present corpus can be added to the group Peter Bloch categorised as deriving from the Bernward-Crucifix in Hildesheim Cathedral (op.cit., Type VI A). The group's main distinguishing features are the perezonia. Each is tied in a knot to the proper left side of Christ from which diagonal folds run to the proper right leg. This example relates most closely to a less well-preserved example in the Victoria and Albert Museum (M33.1955). Note in particular the turned corners of the moustache, punched decoration on the edges of the drapery and the shape of the suppedaneum.

RELATED LITERATURE
P. Bloch, Romanische Bronzekruzifixe, Berlin, 1992, pp. 240-247, nos. VI A 1-17