This crucifix is a replica of the original Coesfeld crucifix, a forked or Y-cross, is located in the Church of St. Lambert, in Coesfeld, Westphalia. It is the largest of its type in Germany. The torso, which was carved in the 14th century from walnut wood that was originally embellished with wounds and veins and painted. It also serves as a reliquary that includes a fragment of a true cross relic. Since medieval times, the Coesfeld Cross was believed to possess miraculous properties and served as a pilgrimage destination. Anne Catherine Emmerich (1774-1824), an Augustinian cannon regular and mystic who greatly influenced the artist James J. Tissot, lived in the nearby farming village of Flamschen. Her mystical visions, which included the crucifixion of a Jesus on a Y-shaped cross (see woodcut, Dülmen, Gedenkstätte Anna Katharina Emmerick), were recorded by the poet Clemens Brentano between 1819-1824. He later published his notes in a book entitled, The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ, which was the basis for the 2004 film by Mel Gibson, The Passion of the Christ. On 3 Oct 2004, Emmerich was beatified by Pope St. John Paul II.
- Subject Matter: Christian
- Created: 20th century
- Collections: Statues and Miscellaneous Three-dimensional Pieces