Items Similar to Red Ceramic Cross with Christ Figure, a Modernist Northern European Collectible
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 15
Red Ceramic Cross with Christ Figure, a Modernist Northern European Collectible
About the Item
This mid-century modern ceramic crucifix, handcrafted by a European studio pottery artist, embodies the era's distinctive combination of traditional symbolism and modernist design. The piece features a vivid, glossy red glaze that covers the surface, with the figure of Christ abstracted to minimalist lines and shapes that merge seamlessly with the cross.
The cross's form is classic, yet the treatment of the figure and the surface texture reflects the mid-century modern aesthetic's inclination towards stylization and experimentation with materials. The glazed surface is punctuated with darker accents that highlight the tactile qualities of the fired clay, emphasizing the handcrafted nature of the piece.
The artist's use of color and form captures the somber and reflective essence of the crucifix's imagery while presenting it through a contemporary lens. This piece likely would have been part of a small batch or a unique creation, as was typical for studio potters of the time who were known for their individualistic and experimental approaches.
This crucifix not only serves as a devotional object but also as a testament to the innovative spirit of mid-century modern art, where even the most sacred subjects were reinterpreted through modern design sensibilities.
Our European cross collection (Tradition & Modernism) is composed of one-of-a-kind, handcrafted pieces made by Studio Pottery artists from the 1950s to 1970s. They show a range of diverse styles, from modernism to brutalism. Each artist has taken a unique approach to depict faith through the language of art and the medium of ceramics.
Through this collection, artists merge artistic expression with traditional religious iconography, blending established symbols, motifs, and narratives with contemporary artistic styles. This thoughtful and deliberate endeavor demands both artistic skill and a profound understanding of the cultural and spiritual significance of the subject matter. Through this synthesis, artists create works that reflect their individual creativity while honoring centuries-old traditions of religious imagery. The resulting artworks resonate with both aesthetic and spiritual significance, offering viewers a seamless integration of artistic and religious elements.
- Dimensions:Height: 6.75 in (17.15 cm)Width: 5.13 in (13.04 cm)Depth: 0.63 in (1.61 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1959
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Chicago, IL
- Reference Number:
About the Seller
5.0
Gold Seller
These expertly vetted sellers are highly rated and consistently exceed customer expectations.
Established in 2013
1stDibs seller since 2021
21 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 2 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Chicago, IL
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
More From This SellerView All
- Midcentury European Glossy Ceramic Cross - Otherworldly Christ FigureLocated in Chicago, ILA brown green, glossy, midcentury ceramic cross with a minimal, otherworldly Christ figure. This piece is part of our large collection of crosses meticulously handmade by skilled Fle...Category
Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures
MaterialsCeramic
- Red-Orange Glossy Ceramic Cross, Symmetrical Design with Circle EmbellishmentsLocated in Chicago, ILA red-orange, glossy ceramic, midcentury European cross. Our large collection of European ceramic crosses consist of an array of handcrafted crosses, each demonstrating the skilled...Category
Vintage 1960s European Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures
MaterialsCeramic
- 16-Inch Wall Cross in Matte Terracotta with Black ChristLocated in Chicago, ILThis substantial 16-inch wall cross, crafted in matte terracotta, showcases a black Christ figure with subtle earthy accents. Its impressive proportions and modernist design highligh...Category
Vintage 1950s European Brutalist Wall-mounted Sculptures
MaterialsCeramic
- Midcentury European Red Glossy Ceramic Cross Unique Vintage CollectibleLocated in Chicago, ILThis mid-century modern ceramic cross is a great example of post-war European studio pottery, an art form that embraced both functional and abstract aesthetic principles. The handcra...Category
Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Religious Items
MaterialsCeramic
- Midcentury European Brown and Green Ceramic Cross Otherworldly Christ FigureLocated in Chicago, ILWith a wink to brutalism, this wall cross is a unique midcentury work by Flemish artisans. The dark brown hue, reminiscent of weathered patina, adds a sense of history to the cross, while the textured slate-like ceramic further enhances its character. The focal point of this cross is the subtle and mysterious Christ figure at its center. As if worn down by the passage of time, the relief of the outline hints at a transcendent presence. The blend of dark brown and green tones creates an ethereal quality, evoking a sense of otherworldliness and inviting contemplation. Our cross collection encompasses a wide range of styles, from futurist modernism to raw brutalism, offering many possibilities for creating a custom wall of modernist crucifixes...Category
Vintage 1950s European Folk Art Religious Items
MaterialsCeramic
- Glossy Red Ceramic Cross with Abstract Matte Christ Figure in Earth TonesLocated in Chicago, ILThis evocative piece of mid-century European studio pottery features a ceramic cross with a human figure, presumed to be Jesus Christ, at its center. The figure is modestly adorned, ...Category
Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Outsider and Self Taught Art
MaterialsCeramic
You May Also Like
- Baroque Figure of Crucified ChristLocated in Hudson, NYThis unusual Baroque figure of Christ carved circa 1670 and 1700 is in a form associated with his removal from the cross after crucifixion but before his...Category
Antique Late 17th Century Spanish Baroque Wall-mounted Sculptures
MaterialsWood
- Antique Crucifix with A Unique Tree Trunk Style Wooden Cross & Corpus of ChristLocated in Lisse, NLUnique and perfectly balanced crucifix with a marvelous cross and a detailed corpus of Jesus. This unique design crucifix comes with an incredibly detailed and top quality carved, circular, tree trunk-like cross. We have never seen such a cross before and it must have taken one highly skilled sculptor / artisan a very long time to create. The corpus of Christ too comes with beautiful details and it has the most amazing patina. We have sold some rare and good quality crucifixes over the years and this finely detailed corpus on this rare wooden cross is right up there with the most unique. Some crucifixes come with sculptures of Christ in terrible agony, but the serene face of this Christ reflects nothing but piece and calm. Both alive and deceased He was in a different realm and that is what the sculptor (in our view) has perfectly managed to capture. Have you also noticed the original and stylish INRI sign at the top? Furthermore, this antique crucifix...Category
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Religious Items
MaterialsMetal, Brass
- Powerful Modernist Welded Iron Head of Jesus ChristBy Julio GonzálezLocated in Ottawa, OntarioA powerful modernist welded iron head of Jesus Christ, circa 1950, a modernist sculpture of a stylized head of Christ with a crown of thorns in the manner of Julio Gonzales...Category
Mid-20th Century Spanish Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures
MaterialsIron
- Christ Carrying His Cross, 17th Century, Carved WoodLocated in North Miami, FL17th Century Italian wood image of Christ carrying his cross to calvary mounted on a hand-painted black panel and framed with a modern gold gilded hand-finished wood frame.Category
Antique 17th Century Italian Baroque Wall-mounted Sculptures
MaterialsGold Leaf
- Unique and Large Crucifix with a Rare Size Hand Crafted Ceramic Corpus of ChristLocated in Lisse, NLUnique and artistic crucifix from the European Midcentury Modern era. Over the centuries the life and teachings of Christ have inspired many an artist to create His image in just ...Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Religious Items
MaterialsMetal
- 18th Century Italian Gold Leaf Distressed Mirror with Carved Figure of ChristBy InteriLocated in Dublin, Dalkey18th century Italian hand-carved gold leaf mirror with 18th century Italian wood carved figure of Christ on original mirror. The gold leaf mirror is originally from Liguria. The 18th century Italian figure of Christ is placed onto the mirror to create a contemporary relief sculpture on the mirror. It originally came from an 18th century crucifix...Category
Antique 18th Century Italian Rococo Wall Mirrors
MaterialsGold Leaf