Antique Solid Silver Crucifix. Austro-Hungary. XVIII- XIX CENTURY

Impressive antique sterling-silver crucifix fully decorated with hand-made embossed motives and in great condition. The crucifix is a big-sized piece and was probable made in the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the late 18th century to the early 19th century. It displays an outstanding beauty: the hand-engraved decoration shows off a delicacy and precision that reveal the hand of a talented artist. The piece is completely made of silver and bears different hallmarks that testify for the quality and origin of the noble metal. At the back side of the crucifix we can see two small antique reparations, two riveted metal plates that connect the Cross and the trimming pieces. Nevertheless, these reparations remain hidden and do not interfere at all with the crucifixs aesthetic. The crucifix base is an extremely elegant Latin cross with decorative and abstract motives engraved all over its surface. Each arm is trimmed by an angels head with folded wings and surrounded by volutes. At the top of the crucifix, under the angel and over the image of Christ we can see the classic parchment with the INRI inscription engraved on the silver. At the bottom, just under the images feet there is an embossed silver piece depicting a skull with two crossed tibias, the classic symbol of Death. But surely the most appealing part of this amazing crucifix is the image of Christ attached to the cross. It is a gorgeous embossed sterling-silver figure with harmonious proportions and great realism. It depicts the crucified Jesus Christ following the classic canons, with a cloth over his waist and crowned by a halo. The Saviour is surrounded by light beams that emerge from the point where the crosss arms meet. Both the figure of Jesus and the skull are sturdily and discreetly riveted to the cross. For its beauty and importance, this antique silver crucifix deserves to shine in a stately room or to become part of a great collection of religious silver antiques. Measurements: Width: 10.8 in / 27.5 cm. Height: 15.5 in / 39.5 cm.