(École européenne XVIII) - Sculpture

Magnificent and expressive religious sculpture of large size in wood carved from a single block (monoxyl) and polychrome, representing a putto or child angel seated on a rocky pedestal. Dating from the Baroque period (second half of the 17th century to the 18th century, around 1680–1740), the child is depicted nude, the lower body partially wrapped in a pleated drapery with blue-green and gold nuances. The work is distinguished by its ascending and dynamic movement. The face, oriented toward the sky with the mouth slightly open and the eyes painted turned upward, testifies to an expression of ecstasy or adoration entirely characteristic of statuary of that era. The piece bears witness to remarkable sculpture work, particularly visible in the treatment of anatomical details such as the chubby face, the wavy hair sculpted with broad strokes, the rounded thighs and the finish of the feet. Made according to traditional methods in a single block of softwood (very probably linden, alder or poplar, woods favored by Baroque image-makers for their carving finesse), the statue is covered with its old preparatory coat (gesso) on which rests the original polychromy. This sculpture fully sits within the tradition of wood-carving workshops in continental Europe (more particularly of Germanic or Alpine tradition) from the period 1680–1740. During this post-Tridentine era, ecclesiastical patrons and religious congregations extensively commissioned master image-makers and local sculptors to adorn liturgical furnishings. In Excellent condition for its age

Estimate:$952.19

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