Antique French Art Deco Crucifix Pendant Signed Fernand Py Gilt Bronze Cross Ecce Lignum Crucis 1920s Religious Jewelry

A Striking Art Deco Crucifix, Signed by Fernand Py

This substantial gilt bronze crucifix pendant is signed "PY" for the French sculptor Fernand Py, and carries the Latin inscription "Ecce Lignum Crucis, in quo salus mundi pependit" across its arms — the traditional Good Friday antiphon, "Behold the wood of the Cross, on which hung the salvation of the world." The stylized corpus and bold, hand-cut lettering point clearly to the Art Deco period, France, circa 1920s-1930s.

Type: Crucifix pendant / pectoral cross
Period: Art Deco, France, circa 1920s-1930s
Material: Gilt bronze
Dimensions: 65 x 54 x 4.3 mm (2.56 x 2.13 x 0.17 in)
Weight: 18 g (0.63 oz)
Origin: France
Condition: Good antique condition, natural wear to the gilding on the reverse consistent with age

The corpus is rendered in a geometric, angular style rather than the softer realism of 19th-century models — a hallmark of Art Deco religious goldsmithing. INRI sits at the crown, with the inscription running along both arms in thick, slightly irregular capitals, giving the piece a hand-tooled, sculptural quality.

The signature "PY," visible beneath the feet of the corpus, is attributed to Fernand Py, a French sculptor and medalist active in religious goldsmithing in the early 20th century. Comparable signed examples of nearly identical dimensions are documented, confirming both the attribution and the period.

Worn as a pendant on a long chain or displayed as a standalone piece, this crucifix suits anyone drawn to devotional antiques with real sculptural presence.

A meaningful find for collectors of antique religious jewelry, Art Deco design enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a gift with genuine history behind it.

Signed, well-documented pieces like this one are increasingly hard to find — the combination of an identifiable maker, a classic devotional inscription, and true Art Deco styling makes it a standout in any collection.

This antique French crucifix pendant brings together gilt bronze craftsmanship, a signed Art Deco design, and a timeless devotional inscription — a genuine piece of early 20th-century French religious jewelry with lasting character.

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