The corpus, or the physical body of Jesus as he hung on the cross, has been a central symbol of Christianity for centuries. The image of the crucified Christ, or the "corpus Christi," has been depicted in Christian art and iconography for centuries, and is commonly seen in crucifixes.
The crucifix, which is a cross with a figure of the crucified Christ affixed to it, is a powerful symbol of the Christian faith. For Christians, the crucifix is a reminder of the sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity, and serves as a symbol of hope and redemption.
The corpus on the crucifix serves as a reminder of the physical suffering that Jesus endured on the cross. As St. Paul wrote in his letter to the Galatians, "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me" (Galatians 2:19-20). By having a crucifix with a corpus in a church or home, Christians are reminded of their own spiritual journey and the sacrifices they may need to make in order to follow in Jesus' footsteps.
In addition to its religious significance, the crucifix with the corpus is also a powerful symbol of empathy and compassion. By gazing upon the image of Jesus' suffering on the cross, Christians are reminded of the suffering of others in the world, and are called to act with kindness and love towards their fellow human beings.
The use of the corpus in Christian art and iconography dates back to the earliest days of Christianity. The earliest known depictions of the crucifixion date from the 2nd and 3rd centuries, and show a figure on the cross with arms outstretched but no other visible wounds. Over time, the image of the corpus became more detailed and realistic, with wounds and blood visible on the body.
One of the most famous depictions of the corpus on the crucifix is Michelangelo's sculpture of the crucified Christ, which is located in the Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rome. The sculpture, which was completed in the mid-16th century, is a powerful representation of the suffering of Jesus on the cross, with detailed musculature and facial features that convey the agony of the crucifixion.
In conclusion, the corpus and the crucifix are powerful symbols of the Christian faith, reminding believers of Jesus' sacrifice and calling them to act with empathy and compassion towards others. Whether displayed in a church or a home, the crucifix with the corpus serves as a powerful reminder of the central tenets of Christianity, and has been a cornerstone of Christian art and iconography for centuries.
References:
Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version
Brouwer, R., & DeJong, M. (2016). The Suffering of Christ in the 16th Century. Journal of Early Modern History, 20(6), 458-478.
Michelangelo's Christ the Redeemer sculpture. (n.d.). Vatican City. Retrieved from https://www.vatican.com/michelangelos-christ-the-redeemer-sculpture/
