A large and substantial 19th century Bohemian carved lime figure of the Pietà.
The Pietà was widely represented in both painting and Sculpture, being one of the most poignant visual expressions of popular concern with the emotional aspects of the lives of Christ and the Virgin.
The theme, which has no literary source but grew out of the theme of the lamentation over Christ’s body, first appeared in the early 14th century in Germany. It soon spread to France and enjoyed great popularity in northern Europe in the 14th and 15th centuries. Although the Pietà remained mostly a Franco-German theme, its supreme representation is that completed by Michelangelo in 1499 and housed in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Influenced by the northern style, Michelangelo draped the figure of Christ across Mary’s lap. Through this pyramidal design and the details of his figures, Michelangelo created a scene that displayed at once agony, solemnity, and heroic resignation.
This Bohemian representation of the Pietà has Christ's arms draped across the lap of the Virgin Mary and skilfully portrays the agony, solemnity and heroic resignation associated with the scene.
The work retains traces of polychrome paint, with the original rich blue of Mary's clothing remaining visible. The work has been meticulously carved from lime, the individual pieces of which are visible to the base.
A striking piece.
Dimensions
Height: 52cm
Width: 34cm
Depth: 23cm
Weight: 9.7 kilograms
Delivery
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