Christian denominations share the use of the crucifix, but with many variations on the design. From the simple cross to the more ornate, floral designs found in Renaissance crucifixes, a classic image of the crucifix may suit you best. A painting of a crucifix by El Greco, for example, will feature intense use of "chiaroscuro" technique of contrasting light and dark, with elongated physical features. By contrast, a crucifix in an early Christian mosaic from the Byzantine Empire will have bright gold and colors in a geometric pattern. Choose a crucifix that matches your desired religious denomination or spiritual meaning.
A tattoo represents an opportunity to integrate an image into your physical body. For this reason, many people choose tattoo designs with optical illusions that make the image appear a part of their body. You may choose a design that depicts a crucifix hanging from a rosary or a chain from your neck or limb. Some designs based on the crucifix make the tattoo look as if it bursts forth from the person's body. Images of stigmata (wounds from crucifixion) may also be incorporated into the design.
Since the spread of Christianity through Europe, individual cultures have made the imagery of the crucifix their own. One of the most commonly depicted culturally-specific images of the crucifix comes from Western Europe: the Celtic Cross. The Celtic Cross integrates the image of the crucifix with the ancient floral, animal and abstract ambulatory braided designs unique to Celtic cultures. Whether you wish to show an affinity for the Celtic culture of Ireland, Northern Spain, France or Britain, or simply enjoy Celtic art, the Celtic Cross can make a strong, design-oriented statement.
From Baroque art to contemporary street art, artists have depicted the crucifix in unique, abstract ways. Whether expanding on the curves and lines of a florid, classic cross, to unraveling and deconstructing a cross shape, a tattoo design may start with a crucifix and go from there. You may choose to begin with a crucifix and incorporate several other design elements in or around the image. In this way, you can create an image around the crucifix that contains many elements of meaning specific to your own personal views.