19th-Century French Standing Crucifix - Silver

A finely detailed 19th-century French standing crucifix in silver plate, with ornate pierced terminals, a slender stem and a broad circular pedestal base. A small skull and crossbones appears beneath the figure of Christ, symbolizing Golgotha, while the worn silvered surface gives the piece a beautifully time-softened patina. Walter Wells began collecting crucifixes over many years, finding them in Paris shops and Provençal brocantes. Mostly French and dating from the 17th to 19th centuries, they fascinated him for their variations in form, materials and detail, particularly given his strict Protestant upbringing, where religious imagery was largely absent. Over time, Walter came to see each crucifix not simply as an object, but as an individual expression of sacrifice, grace, forgiveness and acceptance. Several examples from his collection are available for separate purchase.