A large carved and gilded polychrome lamentation, probably… - Important Single Owner Auction – European Furniture and Decorative Arts - Mossgreen Auctions (No longer trading)

Lot No.

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Description:

A large carved and gilded polychrome lamentation, probably North German, early 16th century. 119 cm high, 90 cm wide, 22 cm deep. This beautiful piece, in very fine condition, may have originally formed part of a retable, a large craved timber screen placed above and at the rear of an altar. Its possible origins are early 16th century and Northern Germany. Its finely carved tracery, retaining some of its original gilding, is in the form of looping ivy and bears comparison with a large fifteenth century retable in the Marktkirche in Hannover, North-Central Germany. The painted gesso over the pine oak sculpture is also in very good condition. Retables often display images of the Passion or the Stages of the Cross as they draw the congregation’s pious attention to the theme of the Eucharistic body of Christ; appropriate to their placement at the altar where the Mass is celebrated. This work is notable for its skilful depth of carving. The treatment of the figures’ hair is especially fine as is the articulation of facial features and especially, Christ’s body. The shallow depth tooling of the scene’s background retains much of its original gilding as do the swirling draperies of the figures’ cloaks. These combine brilliantly with the rich blue of the backdrop and the blues and reds of the clothing. The painted gesso also demonstrates lovely subtle colouring on the faces and on the body of Christ. The figures comprise a well-composed arrangement about the body of Christ. Rather than scenes showing movement within each of the Passion events, the artist of this panel has chosen to focus on a more contemplative aspect. The body of Christ is, therefore, tilted up towards the viewer to encourage meditation. Each of the figures looks with sorrow in a different direction. This is a remarkable feature that demonstrates the skill of the artist in creating a moving and distinctive interpretation of a well-known image. Within this cohesive group composition we are drawn to a poignant expression of the individual experience of grief. The manner in which the Virgin Mary is shown supporting the left arm of Christ and his head also shows particular skill. This gesture is balanced well by the figure of St John the Evangelist who supports Christ’s right elbow. At either side are raised hands of the bearded figures, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. Joseph holds up a cloth as the Gospel of Mark (15:46) tells of Joseph purchasing fine linen to wrap the holy body while John’s Gospel (19:39-42) recounts that he was assisted in the preparation of the body by Nicodemus. To the right sits a pensive Mary Magdalene, holding her traditional attribute, the vessel of ointment, referring to earlier event in which she anoints Christ’s feet with expensive perfume as well as the description in Mark’s Gospel (16:1) in which she goes to the tomb with spices to anoint the body. Dr. Bronwyn Stocks

Estimate:

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Price:

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Category:

Precious Objects: Religious Objects