Stations of the Cross
A devotional cycle, traditionally of fourteen scenes, tracing Christ's journey from condemnation to burial; often realized as reliefs or sculptural groups along church walls.
Catholic Art
Virgin of Mercy
A Marian type in which the Virgin spreads her mantle protectively over kneeling groups of the faithful, clergy, confraternities, or patrons.
Processional Cross
A cross mounted on a staff and carried in liturgical procession, often richly carved, cast, gilded, or ornamented.
Sacred Heart
A Catholic devotional image of the heart of Christ, commonly shown flaming, radiant, wounded, crowned with thorns, and surmounted by a cross.
PietÃ
A devotional image of the Virgin Mary mourning and supporting the dead body of Christ after the Crucifixion.
Altar
The principal liturgical table or structure at which the Eucharist is celebrated; historically a major focus for carved stone, relief, ornament, and surrounding sculpture.
Lamentation
A Passion subject showing the mourning over Christ's body after it has been taken down from the cross, usually with the Virgin, Saint John, Mary Magdalene, and other followers.
Altarpiece
A work or ensemble placed on, above, or behind an altar, frequently combining sculpture, painting, architecture, gilding, and narrative imagery.
Deposition
A Passion scene showing Christ's body being lowered or removed from the cross after death; also called the Descent from the Cross.
Predella
The low horizontal base or lower register of an altarpiece, often filled with small narrative scenes, reliefs, saints, or symbols.