The sculpted body of Christ affixed to a crucifix; a distinct object that may be carved, cast, modeled, or assembled separately from the cross.
In crucifix terminology, the corpus is the representation of Christ’s body fixed to the cross. The corpus may be carved as a separate sculpture in wood, ivory, stone, or metal and then attached to a cross of another material.
Etymology
Latin corpus, “body.”
Sculptor Notes
Separating the corpus conceptually from the cross is useful in the studio. It clarifies attachment points, structural reinforcement, viewing height, arm span, drapery at the perizonium, and how the body projects forward from the plane of the cross.
References
https://www.metmuseum.org/essays/the-crucifixion-and-passion-of-christ-in-italian-painting