Carved And Polychrome Wooden Altarpiece - Central Europe, 18th Century

Beautiful wooden altarpiece element carved in high relief, polychromed and partially gilded, depicting a scene from the Passion of Christ.

The composition shows Christ at the foot of the cross, supported by two cherubs, in a still animated posture, while the Virgin of Sorrows appears in the background, her arms open and face raised to heaven in an attitude of intercession.

The whole is set against a radiant background with finely engraved and gilded solar decoration, a particularly expressive element that reinforces the spiritual dimension of the scene.

The base, treated like an altar or sarcophagus, symbolically evokes Christ's death and resurrection. The iconographic reading thus blends several registers: Passion, Compassion, Resurrection, in a synthesis characteristic of popular devotional productions.

The work features deliberately expressive modeling, with foreshortened proportions and stylized faces, typical of Central European provincial workshops.

The antique polychromy, combined with mixtion gilding, offers a beautiful patina of use and retains a very attractive decorative aspect.

The set is now presented in a wooden frame (probably 19th century).

Era:

Eighteenth century

Origin:

Central Europe (Austria, Bohemia or southern Germany)

Materials:

Carved wood, polychromy and gilding

Condition:

Overall good condition

Wear and minor missing polychromy, consistent with age

Small old restorations visible on reverse

Collection label on back

Dimensions:

Height: 34 cm

Width: 18 cm

Depth: 5 cm

Note:

Probably part of an altarpiece or small domestic ex-voto.

High-relief religious sculpture work, both naive and expressive, offering a beautiful decorative presence.

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