Hand Cross

One of the most important symbols of Christianity is the cross, which has become an integral part of the artistic ensemble of the church. A hand cross is a typological group of liturgical crosses intended for use in worship. A four-pointed Greek-style hand cross with a handle extending from the lower end comes from the village of Bolozheniv. The work belongs to the iconographic type of the "blooming cross", symbolising the tree of life. Each of its ends ends with rounded projections. On the front side, in the centre, is a three-dimensional metal crucifix made imitating Western iconography. Christ is nailed to the cross with three nails; his feet are interlocked, and his palms are open. The Saviour is depicted as dead, with his head tilted to his right shoulder and his eyes closed. His sketchy face is framed by hair that falls over his shoulders. On Christ's head is a crown of thorns of two twisted rods. The decorative effect of the composition is emphasised by a small knotted bandage on the thighs, modelled by shallow soft lines of folds. On the plane of the four ends of the cross are round metal medallions with relief images of the Evangelists: Matthew on the upper end, Luke on the lower end, John to the left of the Crucifixion, and Mark to the right.

Borys Voznytskyi Lviv National Art Gallery