"the Child Jesus." Carved And Polychrome Wood. Spanish School, 17th Century.

“The Child Jesus.” Carved and polychrome wood. Spanish School, 17th century.
Later pedestal.
Christ is presented nude, with a slight contrapposto in the legs and hips that gives some movement to the sculpture, and with delicate flesh tones. He keeps his gaze fixed forward, while raising one arm in an attitude of blessing, and in the other hand holds a golden orb alluding to Creation. His blond, curly hair is styled in a tuft in the center of his head. The sculpture is enhanced by a pedestal, modern but inspired by Spanish Baroque models, formed by very lively lines and decorated with architectural elements of classical influence, among which the pairs of protruding volutes on the facades stand out. Although the forearm recalls the works of Martínez Montañés, in this example the hair is clearly curly. Compare this work with those preserved in the Museum of Fine Arts of Córdoba, with that of the Municipal Museum of La Roda, with those of the Royal Monastery of Las Descalzas in Madrid, etc. This type of work was made to be worn and was normally intended for a female religious setting (it was considered that female devotion should not be directed towards certain works or iconographies of the Passion because it was too strong), or for a private oratory in an important residence. -
Dimensions: 41x32x87 cm