Important Bas-relief In Pipe Clay – “the Deposition Of Christ” – Signed E. Casier

Important pipe clay bas-relief – “The Deposition of Christ” – signed E. Casier – 19th century.

Description:

A remarkably fine bas-relief depicting the Deposition from the Cross, executed in a highly narrative style and with impressive sculptural density: nine figures, deep drapery, individualized faces, tools of the Deposition, the skull of Golgotha at the bottom of the scene…
The depth of the relief is remarkable, creating truly successive planes as in a small sacred theater.
The material – pipe clay (very fine white clay) – is exploited to its fullest potential: supple modeling, crisp details, an almost ivory-like finish.
The sculptor completely masters the balance of volumes, particularly in the fall of Christ's body and the intertwining of the arms supporting the remains.

The work bears the signature E. Casier, clearly legible in the lower part of the relief.

Presented in its original large oval frame of blackened wood with gilt floral relief decoration, perfectly suited to this type of 19th-century religious sculpture.

Overall dimensions with frame: 40 × 33 cm.

Condition:

Very good overall condition, a little visible restoration. Original domed glass intact.

About E. Casier: The name E. Casier is associated with religious bas-reliefs in pipe clay from the late 19th century, typical of productions in Belgium or Northern France, regions renowned for their fine white clay. His works demonstrate a remarkable mastery of modeling and an aesthetic very close to Belgian work of this period.

A spectacular religious piece, highly decorative, and far superior to the average devotional pipe clay of this era.

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