Large 19th Century French Terracotta Sculpture of Christ before Crucifixion

$4,500

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This large, antique sculpture depicts the tenth station of the cross and was crafted in France, circa 1860. Excellent condition with rich patina. In the biblical composition, Jesus is being stripped of his garments by two soldiers. The monumental, realistic sculpture has very fine details, life-like texture and is in great condition. As the religious bible story goes, Jesus arrives at Golgotha. The soldiers take away the cross-beam from his shoulders and neck. Jesus is relieved from this weight. He stands there motionless. Everyone around him is doing his job. He just waits. They move around. Jesus looks up and sees the two thieves already in their place. They are screaming with pain. He looks down again and keeping his eyes fixed to the ground, awaits his turn. Suddenly the soldiers came. He knew it was his time. They took off his clothes. They threw them in a heap nearby. Jesus is again humiliated. He stands there almost naked. The bloodstained body showed to all those present the bruises and the open wounds of the lashes. He started shivering. The northerly breeze was chilling his sweating body. They had placed the cross-beam on the ground in front of him, while the soldiers were debating what to do with his garments: “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.” (Jn 19,24) This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled which said, “They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing”(Ps 22,18). So this is what the soldiers did. And Jesus lifting up his eyes to heaven repeated the prayer: “But you, O Lord, be not far off! O my Strength, come quickly to help me!” (Ps 22,19). Measures: 38″ W x 17″ D x 44″ H. SKU: 82-272

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