A friend of mine is the pastor of a large and beautiful church. Recently, they remodeled inside, and now he has a beautiful piece of art he has asked me to help him try to sell.
It is about ten feet by six feet, flat but maybe six or eight inches thick. It is a very abstract Christ on an even more abstracted cross. It’s all done with different colors of marble inlaid to create the various elements. As an artist myself, and not a Christian, I have to say that it is really lovely and stunning. It’s the kind of thing that goes behind an altar; I’m sure there are other places it might tastefully be installed, but they’d have to be big. I must add that although it’s probably from the 80s or possibly 70s it doesn’t look dated at all – if anything, it’s almost futuristic.
So I looked on eBay, but they just didn’t have anything like that; also, I expect the shipping would be a nightmare.
Does anyone have a bright idea about another kind of venue I might try to sell this piece? Do you think it’s the kind of thing an auction house might take? (being so churchy and all.) Thanks!
I could see a megachurch snapping up something like that, but I’m not sure how you’d find out where the interest lies except by contacting them directly. A local auction house would probably be a good place to start for such a large object. We have a local business that auctions items on consignment, so there’s probably one somewhere near you as well.
You might also get some interest from local artists, but their intentions might be a little less than pious :D.
If you are in the Chicago area, I can put you in touch with someone who may be able to help you.
I have a friend who when the Chicago Archdiocese was shutting down many churches he collected all kinds of statues, crucifi, candle holders, any brass ornamentaion, etc. His apartment looked 90% full of church parafanalia- he had close to 100 5-6 foot tall statues. However, over the years, he has liquidated almost all of it (much as donations to immigrant, poor, or new churches) as most of it was just impossible to find anymore. He never took a profit and if someone wanted to buy something to donate it, he generally, I believe, redonated the money to the church. He would certainly know how to find people who may be interested.
I do disagree that the place has to be under construction. People like familiarity and older “used” pieces are definitely well received.
However, I doubt much money will be involved unless the piece is really something.
I am astonished at the useful responses here! Frankly, I thought that this was my longest shot ever on the SDMB.
Unfortunately, we are in the San Francisco Bay Area, nowhere near Chicago. But thank you so much for the offer, Disheavel. (Ha ha, “crucifii!”)
Sudden Kestrel: There is an auction house not far away, and another one of my friends agrees with you. I’m going to get dressed up and try it. (Ha ha, “x-bay!” If only!))
Nava, you’re right. It actually would be ideal for a hospital, because it’s abstracted in a way that makes it seem non-denominational.
**Fear Itself: ** That’s perfect! I stand in awe of your powerful google-fu.
You might also want to contact the local headquarters (diocese or synod) for the Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran and Methodist churches. Those denominations are probably the most likely to be into large crucifixes – they are less common in evangelical churches, which usually use bare crosses.