Lot 569

C. 1890-1900's Tramp Art Folk Art Cross Large

Estimate: $200 - $400

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$50 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$25,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000
For your consideration is a circa 1890-1900's carved wood Tramp Art Crucifix. Tramp art is a style of woodworking which emerged in America in the latter half of the 19th century. Some of tramp art's defining characteristics include chip or notch carving, the reclamation of cheap or available wood such as that from cigar boxes and shipping crates, the use of simple tools such as penknives, and the layering of materials into geometric shapes through glue or nails. One technique used in tramp art is Crown of Thorns joinery. Although widespread use of wooden cigar boxes in the 1850s sparked involvement in tramp art, it was most prevalent during the Great Depression. This Tramp art crucifix has a 21 row stepped pyramid base and eight row stepped pyramid cross shaft, with a ladder on the right rear, a "sponge" is attached to a short staff, the spear tip is broken off on the left side, INRI placard above figure, small carved rosettes on rear star design with one missing, larger rosette situated just above pyramid base, whole of Tramp art including corpus in gold tone gilt, porcelain peg base feet, very large piece. Overall good condition, minor chips, cracks and scratches consistent with age and handling, measures 32.5"H x 15"W x 5.5" base width