Wooden Framed Crucifix, Nancy School Circa 1700

Beautiful crucifixion framed group in "Saint Lucia wood" (prunus mahaleb), from the school of Nancy ot the end of the 17th century. This school produced a large number of similar groups but of varying quality in which the Christ on the cross is surrounded by holy figures, usually the Virgin and St John - sometimes supplemented or replaced by an angel, or as in our group, by Saint Mary- Magdalene.

These framed crucifixes are traditionally attributed to the Lorrain master César Bagard, who, although the author of several crucifixes, was more of a sculptor of "large" figures, in stone or marble. His son Toussaint Bagard was sufficiently renowned in this field for the city of Nancy to order a framed crucifix from him (the frame of which was sculpted by Vallier) for the visit of Princess Elisabeth Charlotte in 1698. However the name Chassel also often appears as sculptor of crucifixes, whether Charles Chassel who died in 1685 or his possible son, cited in 1699 as sculptor of crucifixes.

It is not possible to settle this question in the absence of a signature, but some of the most beautiful crucifixes must certainly come from the Bagard or Chassel workshop.

Original St. Lucia wood frame carved with acanthus leaves, and gilded posteriorly. Restoration to the gilding, and lacks due to of xylophages. The figures also show remains of gilding.

Origin: Nancy, France
Provenance: French art market

Frame : 74 cm by 50,50 cm
Christ height: 37,5 cm