San Damiano Cross 9" Crucifix - Icon Mounted in Ornate Gold Frame

Description

San Damiano Cross 9" Crucifix - Icon Mounted in Ornate Gold Frame
The San Damiano Crucifix is an icon, meaning it is an image with a religious content and meaning. The purpose of an icon is to teach meaning where it is seen, and in turn, strengthen the faith of the viewer. The San Damiano Crucifix is incredibly rich in this regard - truly a treasure of information and meaning...
Jesus Christ Crucified
Our Lord and Savior is represented as both wounded an
d strong. He stands upright, rather than hanging, resolute and clearly alive on the cross. His eyes are open. His wounds are present, though the sources of His suffering - the nails and thorny crown - are gone. Because He has conquered death, He is crowned with a halo, His glory apparent in this image, the shape of the cross incorporated into His halo. Above Him “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” is printed in Latin.
The Heavenly Welcome
Just under the hand of God, the Ascension is depicted. Christ moves upward, holding the cross which He has transformed to His Royal Scepter. His scepter and garments are gold, a sign of His royalty and victory. His red scarf is a sign of His Dominion and Sovereignty, exercised with love. An angelic host welcomes Him into Heaven.
The Hand of the Father
Directing your gaze to the very top of the cross, you will see a semi-circle. Within the semi-circle, the right hand of God is poised in benediction. The thumb,middle and index fingers are commonly used in a blessing and symbolizes the Holy Trinity.
The Astonished Angels
Six angels, gathered along the beam of the cross, are gesturing with their hands, suggesting that they are discussing the momentous event of Christ’s Crucifixion.
The Major Witnesses
The Major Witnesses are the five witnesses of the Crucifixion pictured standing below Christ’s outstretched arms. On the left, we see Mary, Mother of Jesus, standing next to John, the Beloved. Mary is dressed in dark red and purple, indicating deep love and the Ark of the Covenant, respectively. John points toward Christ, but casts his gaze to Mary. Jesus has handed her into John’s care. On the right, we see Mary Magdalene standing next to Jesus. Her hand is on her chin, indicating a confided secret: her Lord has risen. Mary Clopas, the mother of James, is dressed in a light earthen color and pale green, representing humility and hope. The final of the Major Witnesses is the centurion of Capernaum, a piece of wood grasped in one hand indicating the building of the synagogue. Just beyond the centurion’s shoulder, the face of his little boy who, was healed by Jesus, can be seen.
The Minor Witnesses
The Minor Witness are the smaller figures pictured on either side of the Major Witness. Longinus stands on the left, holding the spear used to pierce Christ’s side. On the right, Stephanos is ready to offer his sponge soaked with vinegar.
The Rooster
This tiny detail can be seen on the right side of the image, next to Jesus’ left calf. The rooster recalls Peter’s betrayal of Jesus as well as the new dawn of the Risen Christ and the hope it brings.
The Patron Saints of Umbria
Though debatable, the row of figures at the base of the cross are said to be the Patron Saints of Umbria. The original San Damiano Crucifix is somewhat damaged in that area. Scholars suggest the saints were Saint Damian, Saint Rufinus, Saint Michael, Saint John the Baptist, Saint Peter and Saint Paul.
Replica shows the same damage as original.
The 9” cross is mounted on dark blue mat board and inserted into ornate gold frame.  Photos don't do this piece justice - lot of shinging gold on icon.  Outer dimensions of frame are 13" x 11"  Back finished with dust cover, bump pads on lower corners, and wire for hanging.
Discovered in small shop, likely hung on wall in a home, in great condition.  Blue mat has a few scuff marks that can be seen in the right light.
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Note:  Color may vary some due to monitor settings