Crucifix

José Mondragón, Crucifix, 1971, carved wood with leather, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Herbert Waide Hemphill, Jr. and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson, 1986.65.257
Copied José Mondragón, Crucifix, 1971, carved wood with leather, 30 51616 123 12 in. (77.041.99.0 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Herbert Waide Hemphill, Jr. and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson, 1986.65.257

Artwork Details

Title
Crucifix
Date
1971
Dimensions
30 51616 123 12 in. (77.041.99.0 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Herbert Waide Hemphill, Jr. and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson
Mediums Description
carved wood with leather
Classifications
Keywords
  • Religion — New Testament — Christ
  • Religion — New Testament — Crucifixion
Object Number
1986.65.257

Artwork Description

José Mondragón created many images of the Crucifixion. The letters “INRI” on top of the cross translate as “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” In this piece, Mondragón carved the head, body, and legs from a single piece of wood, then added the arms separately. The figure’s calm expression and pose show the strength of Jesus’s faith, even at the end, and the small drops of blood on his face are the only clue that he is experiencing any pain.