Lot #055

Large Wooden Effigy of Christ (Corpus Christi), German School, 18th Century

Despite obvious damage and losses, this early “Corpus Christi” has lost none of its sculptural power.

Sensitive – even if slightly archaic – modeling of the elongated form is typical for the region and 18th-century period. Head, torso and legs carved from a single piece of wood with (now missing) separate arms held in place with large wooden pins or dowels. The remains of one such dowel is held in place with a nail inserted through the front of the figure’s shoulder and still present.

Much of the gessoed and polychromed surface remains. The ochre color that trims the loincloth shows evidence of gilding.

A thick iron hanging clete is embedded at center of the back.

CONDITION


The top and back of the head are almost entirely missing. PVA has been used in the interior of the hollowed area to stabilize the rest of the head (pictured). Other losses, abrasions, etc. as detailed in images.

PROVENANCE


Galerie Arabesque, Stuttgart, Germany
Private Collection, Boston, MA

Dimensions

51.5″h x 14″w x 7.5″d

Weight

20 lbs.

Estimate

$4000-6000

Starting bid

RESULT


$2625.00

Question about lot #055

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