Offering a glimpse into one facet of a rich, multi-faith society, these works of art showcase an exploration of thirteenth to twenty-first century religious artifacts that span multiple geographical regions. Highlighted are a selection of items from the Father Dease Collection of Sacred Objects, part of the University of St. Thomas Permanent Art Collection. Most of the objects were acquired by Father Dease, the University’s 14th president (1991–2013), during his international travels, while others were gifts from friends who knew of his interest in collecting crucifixes. After his retirement, these objects were donated to the art collection to ensure proper stewardship.
Select an object below to learn more. Or visit the Iversen Center for Faith on the University of St. Thomas St. Paul campus to view many of these in person.
Gallen Priory Cross (reproduction), 20th century | Ireland
Crucifix, 19th century, Meiji Era | Japan
Crucifix, 19th century corpus on 2006 cross | Spain
Crucifix, late 19th century | Europe
Crucifix, mid 18th century | Portuguese Colonial
Altar Crucifix, 17th century | Italy
Crucifix, late 17th or early 18th century | Belgium or France
Crucifix, 19th century
Eight-pointed Cross with Crucifixion of Jesus Christ, 19th century | Russia
Orthodox Crucifix with Mourners, 19th century | Russia
Plaque, 19th century | Russia
Alms Tray, 1810 | Peru or Bolivia
Armenian Jeweled Cross, 20th or 21st century | Republic of Armenia
Armenian Wooden Khachkar, 21st century | Republic of Armenia
Armenian Dedication Cross, 2001 | St. Paul, Minnesota
Cross, 18th or 20th century | Republic of Armenia
Crucifix, possibly 20th century
Crucifix, possibly 20th century
Crucifix, possibly 20th century
Crucifix, possibly 20th century | Zagreb, Croatia
Crucifix, 20th century | Asmat People | Indonesia
Crucifix, 18th or 19th century | Argentina
Crucifix, 20th century | Mexico
Crucifix, early to mid 20th century | Mexico
Crucifix, early 20th century | Italy
Crucifix (reproduction), 1989 | Democratic Republic of the Congo
Crucifix, unknown date | Europe
Crucifixion Group, 18th century | Germany
Crucifixion House Altar, 19th century | France
Crucifix, ca. 1920-30s | Belgium
Raspopov | Blessing Cross, 1896 | Russia
Ethiopian Processional Cross, unknown date | Ethiopia
Ethiopian Triptych, unknown date | Ethiopia
House Altar in Gothic Style, 19th century | France
Carlo Fontana (1634-1714) | Crucifix, late 17th or early 18th century| Italy
Mount Athos Crucifix, 18th century | Greece
Ornate Gilt Spelter Crucifix, 20th century | Europe
Ellis Nelson (1928 - 2015) | Altar Cross, 20th century | United States
Crucifix, late 17th century | Sicily Italy
Altar Cross, c. 1860 | France
René Lalique (1860-1945), Glass Crucifix, c. 1930s | France
Jean Lambert-Rucki (1888-1967), Christ en Croix, c. 1930s | France