Superb Antique Spanish Wood Polychrome Sculpture of Christ - Crucifix, 18th C.

Crucifixes & Crosses

$1,250

Material

Wood

Origin

Spain

Age / Period

18th century

Condition

Used

This a superb Wooden Carved Polychrome Crucifix made in Spain during the 18th century possibly from Cypress wood. It was made in the manner made popular by the Spanish for the making of religious figures/sculptures from the 12th century, which consisted of carving the sculpture from light wood (cypress), then covering it in layers of Gesso (Yeso), the flesh tones of the face, arms, torso an legs were applied by a painter, and finally, 'Estofado' was applied to embellish the drapery (cloth) with gilded touches. This sculpture is very rare because it doesn't have any losses. The anatomy is intact and most of its colors remain as originally applied; even the dark color of the blood remains as originally done. The painting in the entire sculpture has acquired a darker color or patina due to its age. In some small areas, the original paint has dissipated, possibly due to heat, and the underlying white gesso can be seen. Otherwise, it remains in its original condition. Normally, sculpture of this age are missing finger or toes. The fact that this sculpture remains almost intact is remarkable.The cross, also made of wood and painted black, appears original to the corpus. Excellently preserved original condition. The Cross measure 26 inches and 12 inches wide The Corpus measures 14.5 inches tall, and 11 inches wide