The opening of new sea routes along the coasts of East and West Africa in the 17th century gave an incentive to ivory carving in the Netherlands and Central Europe. The creamy white African ivory had the great advantage of being easily workable. It could be chiselled without splintering too much. The carver worked out his objects down to the finest details. The shimmering appearance of the polished ivory made it popular with princes and wealthy citizens. They liked to display small ivory objects in their “Kunstkammer”. Church authorities bought numerous ivory carvings of religious nature for their treasuries. Devotional subjects such as the Passion or suffering of Christ have been highly sought after. This crucified Christ, who initially may have been nailed to a wooden cross, has exquisite lines. The hip rotation, which is emphasized by the folds of the perizonium, provides a great sensuality. The visibility of the ribs indicates, in a sense, the suffering of a serenely deceased Christ.