Gothic Christ Of Sorrows In Oak – Upper Rhine Or Burgundy, Circa 1380–1420

Sculpture in the Round – Oak Wood – Height 82 cm
We present here a remarkable Gothic figure of the Sorrowful Christ, sculpted in the round from hardwood (oak), dating from the late 14th or very early 15th century.

Standing 82 cm high (21 cm wide – 18 cm deep), this work possesses a powerful and authentic presence, with a weight exceeding 15 kg, guaranteeing the richness of the material.

A Stylistically Coherent and Historically Grounded Work
This sculpture is fully in keeping with the tradition of International Gothic and the affective devotion that developed at the end of the Middle Ages.

The treatment of the emaciated body, the exposed ribs, the hollowed abdomen, and the overall relaxation convey a desire for restrained emotion and meditative compassion, characteristic of workshops active in:
the Upper Rhine (Strasbourg, Basel, Freiburg)
ducal Burgundy
and, more sporadically, certain areas of the Massif Central.
The loincloth tied at the left hip, with its structured and rhythmic folds, corresponds to typologies known between 1380 and 1420.
The inclined head, with its restrained and melancholic modeling, presents a particularly significant detail:
an individual, twisted side lock of hair falling on the right side of the head.

This rare iconographic motif is documented in certain works from the Upper Rhine and Burgundy. It constitutes a significant stylistic marker, reinforcing the regional attribution.

Relevant Museum Comparisons
Stylistic similarities can be drawn with:
the Christ of Pity in Strasbourg (Œuvre Notre-Dame)
certain Descent from the Cross groups in Alsace
sculptures in the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Dijon
works in the Schnütgen Museum in Cologne
These comparisons are provided for informational purposes as part of a stylistic analysis, without over-attribution.

Technical Characteristics
Period: Late 14th – early 15th century
Probable region: Upper Rhine or Burgundy
Material: Oak wood
Dimensions: 82 × 21 × 18 cm
Weight: over 15 kg
Surface: old brown patina; No visible polychromy (probably lost)
Sculpture in the round, carved from a single block of wood

Condition – Transparency and stability
Original arms now missing (clean and consistent old breaks)
Natural longitudinal age cracks related to the drying of the wood
Some traces of old, stabilized woodworm damage
No invasive modern restoration
Sound and stable structure
Dense and perfectly cohesive wood
The sculpture is unrestored, which guarantees its complete authenticity and allows the buyer the freedom to carry out any necessary conservation work.

✨ Why this piece is reassuring for a buyer
Large Gothic sculpture (82 cm), rare on the market
Noble wood (Oak)
Solid stylistic and iconographic coherence
Even antique patina
No major restorations
Verified structural stability
Provenance: professional gallery specializing in medieval sacred art

Shipping and insurance information:

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