Regardless of what it may have truly looked, the image of the cross should be enough.
I've got 2 crucifixes in my house. I'm Catholic, and we don't sugar coat it. When I feel burdened by life and struggling, I look at these and am reminded of Christ's sacrifice for me, and my own struggle has a greater meaning.
"When I came to you, brethren, I did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God in lofty words or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified" (1 Cor 2:1-2).
"But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." (Galatians 6:14)
BTS