Sculpture, Volto di Cristo - 47 cm - Walnut
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Selected by Clément Floch
Has 20 years of experience trading curios, including 15 years with a leading French dealer.
Estimate € 140 - € 170
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Description from the seller
Bas-relief "Ecce Homo" in carved wood (c. 1930/40) – War testimony of 1944 (Bombing of Chiaravalle) – Gilded background
Lottery description:
Refined handmade wood bas-relief finely carved depicting the face of a passionate Jesus Christ (Ecce Homo). The work, originally created between 1930 and 1940, stands out for the intense expressive charge of the face, with half-closed eyes, the mouth opened at the moment of the Passion, and a remarkable anatomical accuracy in rendering the beard and wavy hair.
The high-relief bust is applied to a circular gilded background, creating an elegant chromatic contrast with the dark patina of the wood. The round panel is framed by an elaborate circular frame carved with vegetal motifs and Baroque-inspired acanthus scrolls.
The work was later subject to a modern varnishing.
EXTRAORDINARY DETAIL AND HISTORICAL INTEREST:
The piece, though unsigned, bears on the back a handwritten testimony of extraordinary historical and emotional value, placed right next to a crack in the wood:
“Struck by a splinter during the bombardments of our home on 18 July 1944 at 4:45 a.m. – Chiaravalle (Ancona)”
The crack present on the sculpture is therefore the tangible sign of the impact of an ordnance splinter during the tragic bombings that hit the Province of Ancona in July 1944. On the back there are also a couple of autograph signatures, most likely attributable to the former owners of the house.
Subject: Ecce Homo / Crushed Face of Christ
Technique/Material: Hand-carved wood, gilded background
Era: circa 1930–1940 (Classic/Baroque style)
Type: Medallion / Wall bas-relief
Conditions: Good overall condition. It presents the historical splinter crack documented on the back and a modern repainting, in addition to minor and natural signs of aging.
A unique piece that combines devotional sculpture with the historical memory of the Second World War. A highly fascinating item for collectors of sacred art and historical memorabilia.
Bas-relief "Ecce Homo" in carved wood (c. 1930/40) – War testimony of 1944 (Bombing of Chiaravalle) – Gilded background
Lottery description:
Refined handmade wood bas-relief finely carved depicting the face of a passionate Jesus Christ (Ecce Homo). The work, originally created between 1930 and 1940, stands out for the intense expressive charge of the face, with half-closed eyes, the mouth opened at the moment of the Passion, and a remarkable anatomical accuracy in rendering the beard and wavy hair.
The high-relief bust is applied to a circular gilded background, creating an elegant chromatic contrast with the dark patina of the wood. The round panel is framed by an elaborate circular frame carved with vegetal motifs and Baroque-inspired acanthus scrolls.
The work was later subject to a modern varnishing.
EXTRAORDINARY DETAIL AND HISTORICAL INTEREST:
The piece, though unsigned, bears on the back a handwritten testimony of extraordinary historical and emotional value, placed right next to a crack in the wood:
“Struck by a splinter during the bombardments of our home on 18 July 1944 at 4:45 a.m. – Chiaravalle (Ancona)”
The crack present on the sculpture is therefore the tangible sign of the impact of an ordnance splinter during the tragic bombings that hit the Province of Ancona in July 1944. On the back there are also a couple of autograph signatures, most likely attributable to the former owners of the house.
Subject: Ecce Homo / Crushed Face of Christ
Technique/Material: Hand-carved wood, gilded background
Era: circa 1930–1940 (Classic/Baroque style)
Type: Medallion / Wall bas-relief
Conditions: Good overall condition. It presents the historical splinter crack documented on the back and a modern repainting, in addition to minor and natural signs of aging.
A unique piece that combines devotional sculpture with the historical memory of the Second World War. A highly fascinating item for collectors of sacred art and historical memorabilia.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Wood type
Walnut
Country of origin
Italy
Material
Wood
Title of artwork
Volto di Cristo
Signature
Not signed
Condition
Good condition
Height
47 cm
Width
47 cm
Depth
15 cm
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