18th century Italian crucifix with gold-plated kyanite, calcite crystals in matrix, and baroque pearls. The crucifix is originally from a church in Liguria. It is hand-carved and painted with grey pigments and the sunburst and details are gilded. The kyanite perfectly emulates the color and shape of the sunburst. 

The calcite crystal is from Elmwood Mine, Tennessee. It is an example of the world's finest crystallized calcite. It is unequaled by those from any other part of the world (referenced from the "American Mineral Treasure" book, pg. 337). The base includes the matrix that the calcite crystals naturally grew out of.

The sacred piece has been preserved and adorned with the natural specimens to create a new sculptural work - creating a historically significant yet contemporary piece of old and new.

This piece recently exhibited in the Museo de' Medici in Florence, Italy as part of The Crucifix Collection. 

The Museo de' Medici is located in the monumental Rotonda Brunelleschi which was designed in 1432 and built by Filippo Brunelleschi, a famous Italian architect who also built the Florence dome and who is also considered a founding father of Renaissance architecture. The Museo de’ Medici is devoted to preserving the history of the Medici family and exhibiting precious collections of works of art, historical relics, original documents, faithful reconstructions and multimedia installations.

Size: 30.5" high x 19.5" wide x 10" deep

77.5 cm high x 49.5 cm wide x 25 cm deep