Christ, Living and Naked. Francesco Mochi (Montevarchi, 1580-Rome 1654). Attributed. 17th century. Patinated bronze.

28 x 21 x 4.5 cm

The crucified Christ studied here represents a "unique" work of its kind.

This is, in fact, an extremely rare representation of Christ, produced almost exclusively during the Renaissance and created by absolute geniuses such as Michelangelo, Giambologna, and Cellini. Christ captured in his nakedness on the cross.

Very few bronze examples survive. Giambologna created two in the second half of the 16th century:
- Wullenstetten, Sweden, Parish Church
- Geistliche Schatzkammer, Vienna.

It should be remembered that it was the Council of Trent (1545-1560) that reformulated the rules of Christian iconography. The pedagogical function of art was prioritized. Anything that might detract from the dramatization of sacred texts and their related teachings, especially nudity, was banned from official iconography.

Therefore the chronological limit for the creation of the naked Christs is that of the Council of Trent.

Our Crucifix is influenced by Giambologna's models, but an identical sculpture is catalogued by the superintendency as a work by Francesco Mochi, therefore beyond the dictates established by the Council.

Even the crucifix catalogued by the superintendency has a very skimpy drapery, similar to ours but, by a twist, turning on a hinge, ours rotates revealing the naked and sexualized Christ.

We can only imagine it was the wish of a highly cultured private client, deeply connected to the true meaning of nudity in the Crucifix. Christ, the Son of God, fully human, captured in his physical integrity.

We are not here to recall the "quarrels" that occurred around the naked Christ (Gallino) attributed years ago to Michelangelo, acquired by the state and then disputed.

Bibliography:
Beatrice Paolozzi Strozzi-Dimitrios Zikos, Giambologna the Gods and the Heroes, exhibition catalogue, Giunti ed., Florence, 2006, p. 118.