A Catholic devotional image of the heart of Christ, commonly shown flaming, radiant, wounded, crowned with thorns, and surmounted by a cross.
The Sacred Heart represents the heart of Christ as a sign of divine love and sacrificial suffering. The heart is commonly shown radiant or aflame, surmounted by a cross, encircled by a crown of thorns, and sometimes marked by the wound of the lance.
Etymology
English translation of Latin Cor Iesu / French Sacré-Cœur traditions; sacred from Latin sacer.
Sculptor Notes
In sculpture the emblem may appear independently, on the chest of Christ, or within a retablo or relief. Because the imagery is dense, the sculptor should establish a clear hierarchy among heart, flame, cross, thorns, rays, and surrounding cloud or angel forms.
References
https://www.nga.gov/artworks/19030-retablo-sacred-heart; https://www.metmuseum.org/essays/the-crucifixion-and-passion-of-christ-in-italian-painting