The Processional Cross in the African Art Exhibition in Carlos Museum includes a lot of elements that are related to Baroque art. This artwork was created in Ethiopia, Africa, in the late 18th century. The place where the cross is produced has experienced an influence from the Jesuit missionaries so the artwork contains a lot of Baroque factors. The cross is made of brass and decorated with intricate carvings and filigree. It features a large central image of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ, surrounded by other smaller scenes from the Bible stories. The overall design of the cross is very ornate and decorative with swirling lines and floral patterns.
An element of Baroque art that can be seen in the Procession Cross is the use of light and shadow. Etched lines on the cross create a sense of depth, and the brass material reflects light in a way that highlights the details of the curving since the tiny spaces between two narrow lines are reflected and contrasted with the dark lines. In Carlos Museum, the perfect lighting allows visitors to capture the reflection at eye level, emphasizing the delicate design.
Another element is a sense of drama and emotion. The central image of the Crucifixion is very emotional, with Christ’s body contorted in pain and his face contorted in agony. The surrounding scenes also depict emotional moments from the Bible, such as Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denial. It is important to note that the label and introduction of the artwork on the tablet effectively provide insights for the analysis of different elements of the artwork.
In general, the Processional Cross could be possibly displayed with other curved artwork discovered in Africa when exhibited in a Baroque gallery. It is a precious piece that allows two different art cultures to blend together. Although it shares many similarities with European Baroque art, it still carries its special African signs in terms of techniques and materials. Therefore, the mixture of these two art styles should be valued.