Figure - Corpus Christi - 26 cm - Brass

This is a very beautiful religious art figurine from the 20th century, made using the sand-casting technique from a model of traditional metalwork from Christian Africa (Ethiopia). The object faithfully reproduces the details, textures, and irregularities of this unique sacred craft.
Iconography & Aesthetic Characteristics
Style & Origin: Orthodox Christian art from the Horn of Africa. The treatment of the face (large almond-shaped eyes, straight nose and stylized, highly graphic beard) strongly recalls the Gondarine artistic style (developed from the 17th century in Ethiopia).
The Headdress: Geometric coronet of adornment typical of Ethiopian sovereign iconography.
The Tunic (Colobium): Priest-king robe adorned with a rich geometric relief grid, imitating both traditional tibeb-type embroidery and goldsmith cabochons.
Orant Posture: Arms raised with palms facing forward, conforming to the Byzantine sacred tradition preserved by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (Tewahedo).

Mounting: The back of the figurine is fully hollow and features a horizontal fixing lug cast into the mass at the nape. An original rivet hole is also present at the feet. This system allowed the Christ figure to be fixed at the center of a large wooden processional cross or on a triptych.
Material: Robust molten brass with splendid golden reflections. The hollows display an artificial dark patina to accentuate the reliefs, with faint traces of natural oxidation (verdigris).
Dimensions & Weight
Height: 26 cm
Width: About 11.5 cm (wingspan of the hands)
Weight: 385 g
Condition
Very good overall condition (vintage, second half of the 20th century). Superb surface appearance with a well-balanced antique patina. Sound and solid structure.
Note: a small original casting seam is present at the lower edge of the tunic, evidence of sand-casting work, but it does not affect the piece’s solidity or aesthetics. No losses.