Triumphal cross

A triumphal cross (lat. crux triumphalis ) is a monumental crucifix, which belongs to the interiors of medieval churches. It usually hangs between choir and nave in the triumphal arch, the entrance arch of the choir, or is in the same place on a crossbeam. If the choir separated by a rood screen from the church, the cross of triumph is at or, more rarely, in front of the rood screen. Under the cross of triumph is often the cross altar. The term triumphal cross refers to the triumph of the Risen Christ ( Christ triumphans ) about death.

Transformation of the image of Christ

In the Romanesque crucified Christ was portrayed as a ruler and judge. Instead of a crown of thorns he wears a royal crown or a halo on his feet he wears "shoes" as a sign of the ruler. He is victor over death. His feet are parallel to each other on the wooden support ( four nail type ) and not another. The loincloth is highly stylized and falls into vertical folds.

In the transition to Gothic is from the triumphant of the suffering Christ, the piteous pain man. From the rulers crown is the crown of thorns, the feet are one above the other and are pierced with a single nail. Facial expression and posture express his pain. The wounds of the body are often portrayed dramatically. The loincloth is no longer so clearly stylized. The attendant figures Mary and John show signs of pain.

In the late Gothic and freer design possibilities are tried (see Spain).

Triumphant with attendant figures

A cross of triumph may be surrounded by a group of people. When people come Mary and John, the " beloved disciple " in question (based on the Gospel of John (John 19:25-27 EU, parr Mt 27,25 f EU, Mk 15:40 Lk 23,49 f EU and EU), but apostles, angels and founders.

  • The cross of triumph of the Church of Öja / Gotland, which stands on a crossbar under the triumphal arch is flanked by two people. Here are Mary and John,
  • Even the triumphal cross in the monastery church to change castle, standing on the rood screen in an elevated position, has this group of people.
  • The triumphal cross in Schwerin Cathedral is also flanked by Mary and John. At the end of the cross bar, the evangelist symbols are seen.
  • In St. Mary's in Osnabrück only empty stone consoles attest to the secondary characters.
  • The Triumph cross on the rood screen in Halberstadt Cathedral is flanked not only of Mary and John, but also by two angels.
  • On the supporting beams of Triumph Cross in Lübeck Cathedral is also a bishop, probably represented the founder of the Cross.

On the supporting beams of St.Katharinen monastery church in Wenau / Langerwehe

Representative examples

Cross from the church in Linde / Gotland ( now in the Museum in Stockholm) also shows the ruler mark and can understand the name

Triumph Cross of Notke in the Lübeck Cathedral

Triumph Cross ( Christ page ) in the Doberan Minster

Disc cross in the Hohnekirche Soest ( 1200 )

Germany

  • Gero Crucifix in the Cologne Cathedral
  • The Ottonian cross in the Collegiate Church of St. Peter and Alexander in Aschaffenburg
  • Helmstedter the cross in the treasury of the abbey of Werden
  • The Triumphal Cross in Lübeck Cathedral from the workshop of Bernt Notke, 1477 height 17 m
  • In St. Catherine's Church (Lübeck ), 1450, see also Master of the Triumph crucifixes lübeckischen
  • In the cathedral at Halberstadt
  • Change in the monastery castle, Basilica of the Holy Cross
  • In Naumburg Cathedral
  • In the Doberan Minster
  • In Schwerin Cathedral ( from the Wismar Marienkirche )
  • In Osnabrück at St. Mary's Church and the Cathedral of St. Peter
  • In Alfeld (Leine) in the church of St. Nicholas, 1250
  • In Havelberger Cathedral, 1270/80
  • In Soest, Church of St. Mary the level, so-called disc cross
  • In Haselsdorf, St. Gabriel's Church
  • Dinslaken, Church of St. Vincent, 1310

Sweden

  • On Gotland in the medieval churches of Alskog, Alva, Bro, Fide, Fröjel, Grötlingbo, Hamra, Hemse, Klinte, Church of Lye, Öja, tail, and Stenkumla Stenkyrka. Among them, the projects out of Öja.

Spain

  • Triumphal Cross in the hermitage ( Ermita del Humilladero or Ermita de San Isidro ) in Sasamón
Wechselburg Priory Romanesque art Gothic art Werden Abbey Alva Church Bro Church, Gotland Hemse Church Lye Church Stenkyrka Church
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