Silver Christ Lille, France - Louis XIV Period

Late XVIIᵉ - early XVIIIᵉ century

Rare solid silver hallmarked crucified Christ figure, attributable to one of Lille's great goldsmith workshops of the Louis-Quatorzian period.

This remarkable work bears the old Lille hallmarks as well as those of master silversmith Robert De Noyelles (1645-1724), an important figure in French Flemish silversmithing of the late XVIIᵉ century.

The anatomical modeling, particularly refined in the treatment of the torso and legs, reveals exceptional craftsmanship. The perizonium, finely chased, retains a baroque nervousness characteristic of the prestigious religious productions of this period.

The quality of conservation is remarkable: the hallmarks remain legible, the surfaces present a very beautiful homogeneity and the sculpture retains all its original presence. Hallmarked silver Christs from this period have become extremely rare today, many having disappeared during successive smelting of antique silver.

Probably intended for an altar crucifix or a high-ranking liturgical set, this example combines historical rarity, spiritual power and sculptural excellence.

Bibliography:
Nicole Cartier, Les orfèvres de Lille, 2007.

Master silversmith: Robert De Noyelles (1645-1724)
Holemark: Lille "F"
Weight: 223 grams
Height: approx. 20 cm

https://tri-art.be/lot/173791/31623477-lille-epoque-louis-xiv-orfevrerie-au-poincon-de-lille-france