Panel Carved In Bas-relief, Antique-style Profile — Italy, Early 17th Century

A rare wooden panel carved in bas-relief depicting, within a fluted oval medallion, the profile of a young figure with long, wavy hair gathered in curls, in the style of “antique” portraiture inherited from the Italian Renaissance. The finely modeled face retains traces of its original polychrome coloring (rosy skin tones, highlights in the hair) against a patinated wooden background. The oval molded frame, painted in a gray-white hue with an uneven antique patina, is mounted on a rectangular wooden backing. Italy, Tuscany or Northern Italy, early 17th century. Softwood, probably linden. Dimensions: 53 x 40 cm. Condition: old traces of woodworm on the reverse (no longer affecting the integrity of the sculpture), small losses and wear of the polychromy consistent with its age, old cracks. Beautiful overall patina. This type of sculpted profile, directly derived from the tradition of Italian Quattrocento portrait medallions, likely originally adorned a furniture panel, a cabinet door, or a piece of wainscoting.