A model was used to study the mechanic of crucifixion. His arms were fixed to a crosspiece (simply with cord, we decided not to use nails) and his feet were fixed to the upright on a wooden support and fixed with light cord. The model adopted the two possible extreme positions. Hanging by the arms or pushing up with the legs. Photographs were taken in both positions, from various angles. Paint was applied to the wrists at the point where the nails would have been driven in, in order to study the direction of flow of blood.
We had originally been puzzled by the direction of bloodflow on the image in the shroud and wanted to see what actually happened. We decided to simulate the traditional Roman technique as closely as possible.