Escuela Hispano-flamenca - Sculpture

San Gregorio Magno School: Hispanoflamenca Origin: Spain Period: First half of the 16th century Dating: c. 1500–1550 Material: Carved, polychromed and gilded wood Measurements: 75 × 26 × 10 cm Important Hispanoflamenca religious sculpture from the first half of the 16th century, carved in wood, polychromed and gilded, probably representing Saint Gregory the Great, pope and Doctor of the Church. The figure preserves a marked late Gothic character, visible in its pronounced verticality, stern expression, treatment of the broad folds, and frontal composition. The back features a deep hollowed area made with a tool, a traditional system intended to reduce weight and internal tensions of the wood and characteristic of images designed to be part of altarpieces. Notably, the rich pontifical attire, with important remnants of old polychromy and gilding, is preserved. In both hands there are nine rings depicted, several of them decorated with small colored dots that simulate precious stones, emphasizing the high ecclesiastical dignity of the figure. In one hand he holds a large open book, an attribute related to his status as Doctor of the Church, while the other remains closed to hold an element now missing, probably a pontifical attribute. On both sides of the head are preserved elements that could correspond to the infulae of an old pontifical headdress, currently lost. The combination of pontifical garments, numerous rings, book, and missing attributes allows identifying him as Saint Gregory the Great. The piece requires cleaning and conservation review, as in different zones it shows traces of animal glue or bone glue, probably from an old intervention aimed at fixing and consolidating the polychromy. Its removal should be carried out in a controlled manner to preserve the painted layers and gilding that remain. An interesting example of 16th-century Hispanoflamenca religious sculpture, preserving numerous traces of its rich original appearance. Cataloging: Saint Gregory the Great, Hispanoflamenca school, Spain, c. 1500–1550.

Estimate:$1,456.73

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