From the 'Catholic Encyclopedia: Archaeology of the
cross and crucifix':
It is certain, then, that the custom of displaying the Redeemer on the
Cross began with the close of the sixth century, especially on encolpia, yet such examples of the crucifix are
rare. As an example, we have a
Byzantine encolpion, with a Greek
inscription, which was erroneously thought to have been discovered in the
Roman Catacombs in 1662, and about which the renowned Leo Allatius has written learnedly (
cf. "Codice Chigiano", VI; Fea, "Miscellanea filol. critica', 282). The little metal vases at Monza, in which was carried to Queen Theodolinda the oil from the Holy Places, show clearly how the repugnance to effigies of
Christ lasted well into the sixth century. In the scene of the Crucifixion thereon depicted, the two thieves alone are seen with arms extended, in the attitude of crucifixion, but without a
cross, while
Christ appears as an orante, with a
nimbus, ascending among the clouds, and in all the majesty of glory, above a
cross under a decoration of
flowers. (
Cf. Mozzoni, op. cit., 77, 84.) In the same manner, on another monument, we see the
cross between two archangels while the
bust of
Christ is shown above.
Another very important monument of this century, and perhaps dating even from the preceding one, is the Crucifixion carved on the wooden doors at S. Sabina on the Aventine Hill, at Rome. The Crucified
Christ, stripped of
His garments, and on a,
cross, but not nailed to the
cross, and between two thieves, is shown as an orante, and the scene of the Crucifixion is, to a, certain extent, artistically veiled. The carving is roughly done, but the
work has become of great importance, owing to recent studies thereon, wherefore we shall briefly indicate the various writings dealing with it: (now a long list of literature)
To this same period belongs a crucifix at Mount Athos (see Smith's "Dictionary of
Christian Antiquities",
London, 1875, I, 514), as well as an ivory in the British Museum.
Christ is shown wearing only a loin-cloth: He appears as if alive; and not suffering physical pain. To the left, Judas is seen hanged; and below is the purse of
money.
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