"la Pietà" Polychrome Wooden Sculpture - Early 15th Century

"La Pietà"
Polychrome wooden sculpture
Carved and painted walnut
Franco-Hispanic artist
Early 15th century
H. cm. 50 wide. 26 prof. 12
Panel  62 x 40
Very good condition
Much of the original polychromy is present


We present a rare jewel-sculpture depicting what is considered one of the most representative sacred images of Christianity. The Virgin is seated and holds up the lifeless body of her Son as if to show her extreme sacrifice for the salvation of humanity. It is the dramatic scene celebrated by all the great authors of ancient art and which is commonly called the "Pietà".
This important testimony of late medieval art, with its rarity and historical value, allows us to admire an innovative and inspired work performed by an artist at the dawn of the fifteenth century.
It is a real prototype of what will be the magnificent sculptural compositions depicting this poignant scene full of meaning.
In fact, the journey has just begun which, passing through the important lesson of Gothic art, will take us to the splendor of the Renaissance in the following century.
The transition from the primitive stylistic rigor of the Romanesque to the novelties of Gothic art can be seen in an evident movement of the drapery on the clothes of the Virgin who sits with her knees open. Even the body of Christ is characterized by an accentuated curvature of the figure.
The wooden essence of the sculpture is absolutely intact, with a still solid and compact consistency.
    Exceptional is the presence of almost all of the original polychromy which allows a complete reading of the work, and to fully grasp its artistic and spiritual message.