17th-century Wooden Sculpture Of God The Father Holding An Orb, Altarpiece

A carved wooden religious statue (most likely a decorative fragment of an altarpiece) depicting God the Father. With a long, curly beard and thick hair, he raises his right hand in a gesture of blessing and holds an orb in his left hand (a globe symbolizing his universal sovereignty). Dates from the 17th century.

This sculpture is in good overall condition, though it has sustained some wear and tear over time.

The iconography here fully conforms to the conventions of the divine authority of the Eternal Father, featuring a stern face whose features are marked by old age and a long, mature beard. This distinguishes it from similar depictions of Christ as the Salvator Mundi (also with a raised arm and orb), whose face is younger and whose beard is shorter.

Please note: the right hand is damaged and partially missing; there are numerous holes and cracks in the wood, as well as wear and tear from age; see photos.

• Height 37 cm
• Width 22 cm
• Depth at the orb: 12.5 cm
• D10 137
• All photos are available at:
  www.antiques-delaval.com