Processional Crossc. 1320 · Study 1943.280

Context from the museum

This cross was originally mounted on a tall pole and carried in religious processions. Therefore, the figures on each side are almost identical. In the center is Christ crucified. Looking on from the elaborate terminals at left and right are the Virgin and Saint John. The bottom terminal shows a different saint on each side: Saint Francis on one and Saint Clare on the other. At the top of each side is an angel. Although one angel looks up and the other down, both express intense grief in their faces and gestures. The Master of Santa Chiara is the name given to this unknown artist who painted this and several other works in Assisi. In that city, Saint Francis founded an order of friars while Saint Clare established a counterpart for women called the Poor Clares. The presence of both saints on this cross suggests that it was made for one of Assisi's Franciscian institutions.

Museum description reproduced from its CC0 open-access record. Read the original catalog entry.

A detail to notice

This cross is painted on both sides so that while being carried in a procession the images are visible to a crowd; both sides are not quite identical.

Observation supplied by the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Read the dimensions before the image

The selected unframed measurement for Processional Cross is 44.2 cm wide and 61.3 cm high, equivalent to approximately 17.4 × 24.1 inches. Dividing width by height gives a format ratio of 0.72:1. The rectangular bounding area is 0.27 square meters; it describes the measured footprint, not the amount of paint or the monetary value.

On an illustrative 300 cm wall, the recorded width occupies 14.7% of the span before adding a frame. A centered placement leaves approximately 127.9 cm on each side before adding a frame. These are calculations by Physical Art For Crypto using museum measurements. They are not the museum’s display recommendations.

Questions to bring to your own collection

With Processional Cross in view, identify one feature you can point to, then distinguish what the museum records from your personal response. Keep its medium, oil on canvas on wood, in your notes when comparing contemporary works.

• Which part of this vertical composition catches your eye first?
• Would a 44.2 cm width still suit the space after allowing for furniture and a frame?
• What surface detail would you need to see in person or in a close photograph?