Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
This is a highly detailed, three-dimensional relief replica of the famous San Damiano Crucifix, the iconic cross before which St. Francis of Assisi received his miraculous calling in 1205. Unlike flat painted icons, this piece features a fully sculpted, hand-painted figure of Christ set against a deeply recessed, gilded Byzantine-style background populated with saints and angels.
Story
In 1205, a ruined chapel in Assisi housed the original version of this cross. A young Francis of Assisi knelt before it and heard Christ command him to 'rebuild my church.' This replica captures that exact, world-changing moment.
Maker / Origin
While the original 12th-century masterpiece was painted by an unknown Umbrian artist, modern high-quality replicas like this are often produced by specialized religious art studios in Italy (such as those in Val Gardena) or by Catholic devotional publishers in the United States to bring monastic beauty into home sanctuaries.
Condition & Value
The plaque appears to be in excellent vintage condition with no visible chips, cracks, or paint loss. The gilding remains bright and the delicate fingers of the central figure are fully intact. Excellent preservation like this helps secure the higher end of the valuation range.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.