Morphology of the Crucifixion

Dave Smith

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FUNCTION I. THE CROSS SECURED IN THE GROUND. (Definition: penetration. Designation: A.)

1. Supported by buttress (A¹). A thick branch cut to the correct length and angle and nailed to the base of the cross (1).

2. Wedged (A²). A stake(s) driven down between the cross and the ground (1,3 & 5). Cut wedges driven down between the cross and the ground (2). Sticks (or bones) pushed down between the cross and the ground (4).

FUNCTION II. BUILDINGS, SETTLEMENTS, CITIES IN THE BACKGROUND OR HOUSING THE CROSS. (Definition: _architecture. _Designation: B.)

1. City (B²). Visible in far distance through gap between attendant and the left side of the cross (1)

2. Fortified building(s) (B²). To the right of the cross in the mid background (2,4)

3. Viaduct (B³). Between the right of the cross and fortification (2).

FUNCTION III. HOW CHRIST IS ATTACHED TO THE CROSS. (Definition: fixing. Designation: C.)

1. Nailed to the cross (C¹). One nail through each foot and each hand (1). One nail through both feet and each hand (2,4 & 5). One nail through both feet and each wrist (3).

2. Footrest (C²). One nail through both feet into additional wooden block (4)

FUNCTION IV. PERIPHERAL FIGURES INTERACTING WITH CHRIST OR IN THE VICINITY. (Definition: attendants. Designation: D.)

1. Assisting Christ (D¹). "Immediately one of them ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine and put it on a reed, and offered it to Him to drink." Matthew 27:48 (1).

2. Embracing the cross (D²). Kneeling down, arms wrapped around the base of the cross beneath Christ (5).

FUNCTION V. THE SIGN ATTACHED TO THE CROSS. (Definition: titulus. Designation: E.)

1. Parchment attached to the cross (E¹). One corner folded over (1). Bottom edge curling upwards (2). Crumpled and bottom edge curling upwards (3). 'I.N.R.I' written in precise calligraphy (5).

FUNCTION VI. OBJECTS LEFT ON THE GROUND. (Definition: ephemera. Designation: F.)

1. Skull(s) (F¹). Lay on its side in front of the cross (1). To right of, and slightly behind the cross (2). Two or three (broken) scattered behind the cross (4).

2. Nails (F²). Three nails scattered on the ground (1).

3. Case (F³). Discarded on the ground (1).

4. Rope (F⁴). Discarded on the ground (1).

5. Bones (F⁵). Scattered around the base of the cross (4).