Medieval Statuary - Head Of Christ, Fragment - First Half Of The 15th Century - Late Period

First half of the 15th century France - Massif Central - Auvergne Impressive limestone head of Christ, sculpted with great expressiveness. This fragment of a statue perfectly illustrates the transition between Gothic art and the nascent Renaissance, characterized by increased realism and a search for humanity in the representation of sacred figures. The heavy crown of thorns, finely sculpted, underlines the dramatic character of this work, while the facial features – particularly the beard and wavy hair – bear witness to remarkable know-how. The marks of time give this piece an authentic patina and an aura imbued with spirituality. Origin and context: This type of sculpture, often placed in an altarpiece or a tomb, served to embody the Passion of Christ and to inspire the devotion of the faithful. The Massif Central region, and particularly Auvergne, was an important center of religious artistic production in the 15th century, and this fragment is part of this rich late Gothic tradition. Iconographic context: The head of Christ with crown of thorns is an emblematic representation of the Passion. This motif invites the faithful to meditate on the sufferings of Christ and on the sacrifice for humanity. This piece can be compared with the detailed studies of Dr Paul Thoby, in particular in “The History of the Crucifix” (plates CLXVI to CLXX), which compares the stylistic variations across similar periods. These iconographic references allow us to appreciate the continuity and subtleties of medieval religious art. This fragment also testifies to a sculptural treatment characteristic of the period, where the faces of Christ tend towards an expression of profound humanity and sacred pain. Condition: Old fragment with several losses and chips, notably at the level of the nose. A piece of the crown of thorns has been glued back together, testifying to the eventful history of this piece without altering its expressive power. Dimensions: • Height: 20 cm • Width: 21 cm Delivery: ALL DELIVERIES ARE MADE BY DHL EXPRESS ONLY.