Slender Cross—Large

This crucifix is on the entrance wall of McKenna Hall's foyer auditorium.

This slender metal crucifix was crafted by Robert M. Kuntz, Jr., a lifelong resident of South Bend who had a passion for sculpting and modeling. Kuntz held multiple different positions throughout his career including clay modeler, sculptor, and church furnishing designer. One of these appointments was with Studebaker Packard, where he worked as a clay modeler. Kuntz was also the owner and manager of Model Tech Display Studio, a woodworking shop located in South Bend which specialized in industrial packaging, molding, and turnings. The artist speaks about his design technique in the following quotation:

“When creating a piece of art, I work directly in the wood, steel or other material, usually without a drawing or even a preconceived idea of the finished sculpture.”

Kuntz crafted crucifixes on and off throughout his life. He enjoyed working directly with the materials he was sculpting with. This slender Kuntz crucifix is made entirely of metal with a very slim post and cross section piece.

This crucifix portrays Christ largely upright, with only his left arm and left leg departing from the cross. Christ is sculpted in the same material as the cross itself, making him nearly blend in. The crucifix has a seamless and sleek appearance. Christ’s head sits straight up and does not fall to one side or the other, which is a symbol for strength.

This crucifix, along with two additional crucifixes, was donated by Charles S. Hayes, a Notre Dame graduate of 1965. The first is a nearly identical smaller version and the second is a wooden and metal crucifix. All three crucifixes were crafted by Kuntz and are displayed on campuscrucifixes.nd.edu.

When you're ready to move on, exit the auditorium and turn left. Go straight through the double doors opposite you to exit McKenna Hall. Once you exit, take a right and then the next left down the sidewalk. Go straight past Stinson-Remick Halls and Hesburgh Center (both on your left) until you reach the main double doors of Jenkins-Nanovic.

Enter through the double doors and walk into the central atrium. Enter Room 1050 through the first double doors on your right wall. The next crucifix will be on the wall directly to your right.