Fontanini Crucifix Value Guide

Established in 1908 in Bagni di Lucca, the Fontanini company is world-renowned for its hand-painted religious figurines and mid-century crucifixes. This specific 1960s-1970s wall-hanging piece is highly collectible for its use of 'polystone' resin, which captured intricate details far beyond traditional wood carvings of the era.

What affects the value of Fontanini Crucifix?

• Condition of the hand-painted finish, specifically looking for chips or paint loss on the resin corpus.
• The presence of original markings or labels identifying the piece as an authentic Fontanini product from Italy.
• The structural integrity of the dark wood cross, including the presence of the original hanging hardware.
• Market demand for mid-century Italian religious artifacts, typically ranging from $45 to $50.

How to Identify Fontanini Crucifix?

• Look for the signature hand-painted details on the resin corpus, a hallmark of Bagni di Lucca craftsmanship.
• Check for the Fontanini spider mark or 'Italy' stamp often found on the back or base of the figure.
• Verify the material composition of a dark wood cross paired with a polymer resin (polystone) figure.
• Examine the facial expression and muscle definition, which are notably finer than generic mid-century mass-produced crucifixes.

History of Fontanini Crucifix

Established in 1908 in Bagni di Lucca, Italy, the Fontanini company is world-renowned for its hand-painted religious figurines. While famous for their nativity sets, their mid-century crucifixes became staples in Catholic homes globally. This specific style utilizes a polymer resin known as 'polystone' which allowed for finer detail than traditional wood carving at a more accessible price point.