The Sweat-Cloth of the Tenth Station
33 c.e.
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L O T 4
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The Sweat-Cloth is square-shaped, measuring approximately 16 in. x 16 in. and is woven in a loose twill composed of cotton fibrils. Reddish-brown stains are found on the cloth, correlating with blood drawn by the crown of thorns.
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Appropriate staining with some minor tearing along the edges.
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Preserved by the Monastic Order of St. Hieronymus in Anatolia, documented in the 'Chronicles of Sacred Artifacts' (4th century); acquired by the noble de Villeroy family (17th century); entered the collection of Sir Edmund Black in England (1862); in the private collection of the Contessa Maria Orsini of Florence, Italy (1902).
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An exquisite example of an acheiropoieton, the Sweat Cloth is related to the tenth Station of the Cross, where an unnamed Roman, taking pity on Jesus moments before he was stripped of his robes, hands Jesus a muslin handkerchief so that Jesus may wipe the blood and sweat from his eyes. Here we see an image of sorrowful Jesus, a stark portrayal rivaling both the Shroud of Turin and the Veil of Veronica.
lot 4
The Sweat-Cloth of the Tenth Station