18th century bronze pax representing the Crucifixion.

18th century Pax depicting the Crucifixion Dark patinated bronze, 21 x 14.5 cm The bronze examined is an antique pax (in Latin osculum pacis or tabella pacis), an object of Christian liturgy. It is a tablet decorated on the front with a sacred scene that was kissed by the priest during the celebration of the mass, and then offered to the kiss of the other officiants and finally of the faithful. It, in use since the 13th century, replaced the custom of the ancient kiss of peace, which took place before communion, and which today is the "exchange of a sign of peace" with the handshake. The shape is usually rectangular, with a support on the back to hold it supported in a raised position on the altar, but there are also round specimens. As materials were used gold, silver, bronze, ivory or glass, as techniques the embossing, bas-relief, engraving or enamel, often used in combination in the same specimen. The iconography represented usually addressed the liturgical feasts or the Saints and the theme of the Passion of Jesus, as in the case analyzed here, where the Crucifixion of Christ is represented. In the center of a trilobed space decorated with elegant plant racemes, Christ crucified is represented with his arms stretched forcefully on the cross, his legs crossing on his two feet pierced by a single nail, and his head, reclined and suffering, crowned with thorns. At the foot of the cross, marked by the INRI insignia, initials of the inscription Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum, "Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews," take place the Madonna, who suffering wipes her tears with a handkerchief, and the favorite apostle, John, who joins his hands in prayer. The mastery of the artist in the definition of the figures is striking, in particular in the rendering of the voluminous drapery and the gestures of the characters which appear to be of great naturalness and intensity. The same subject is depicted on the back of the pax of the early sixteenth century, in chased gold silver, from a Lombard workshop, preserved at the Museum of the Treasure of the Cathedral of Vigevano. The object is in good condition With Ars Antiqua it is possible to defer all amounts up to a maximum of €7,500 at ZERO RATE, for a total of 15 INSTALLMENTS. Ex. Tot. €4,500 = Monthly installment €300 for 15 months. Ex. Tot. €3,600 = Monthly installment €720 for 5 months. For amounts above €7,500 or for a longer deferral time (over 15 installments), we can provide a customized payment. Contact us directly to get the best quote. LIVE TV - SUNDAY 17.00 - 21.00 Dig.terr. 126 + 809 SKY - THURSDAY 21.00 - 24.00 Dig.terr. 134 + 809 SKY - Streaming on our website www.arsantiquasrl.com and on our social Facebook and Youtube All works proposed by Ars Antiqua are sold accompanied by a certificate of authenticity in accordance with the law and an accurate in-depth card. It is possible to see the works directly at the showroom gallery in Milan, in via Pisacane 55 and 57. We personally organize transports and deliveries of the works, both for Italy and abroad.