Sculpture, Large Early Baroque Wooden Sculpture of Moses with the Tablets of the Ten Commandments - 102 cm - Wood

Large Early Baroque Wooden Sculpture of Moses with the Tablets of the Ten Commandments – circa 1600–1650

Impressive and exceptionally large Late 16th/ early 17th-century carved wooden sculpture depicting Moses holding the stone tablets with the Ten Commandments.

Moses is represented standing on a rocky base, holding the two monumental tablets prominently before him. The commandments are indicated in relief on the tablets. The figure has a strong, expressive face with deeply carved eyes, flowing hair and an impressive elongated beard, giving the sculpture a powerful and highly devotional appearance.

The work is carved entirely in wood and retains extensive traces of its old painted and polychrome surface. The dark robes contrast beautifully with the warmer tones of the face, hands and feet. The aged surface, wear and craquelure contribute greatly to the historic character of the sculpture.

The monumental scale is particularly noteworthy: approximately 102 cm high and 60 cm wide, making this a substantial ecclesiastical or devotional sculpture, almost certainly originally intended for a church, chapel or important private devotional interior.

Dating: circa 1600–1650
Period: Early Baroque / late Renaissance tradition
Origin: Europe, possibly Dutch or Northern Italian
Material: carved and polychromed wood
Subject: Moses with the Tablets of the Ten Commandments
Dimensions: approx. 102 × 60 cm

Condition

The sculpture is in authentic antique condition consistent with its considerable age.

There is extensive age-related wear to the polychromy, with losses, cracks and areas of old restoration. Several pronounced age cracks are visible, particularly around the arms, shoulder, garments and base. There are also losses and deterioration to parts of the carved surface and polychromy.

The photographs form an integral part of the condition description.

Despite these imperfections, the sculpture has retained an exceptionally strong presence and a beautiful untouched historic appearance. The age-related wear adds considerably to its authentic character and should not be regarded as detrimental to the overall decorative and historic value.

A rare opportunity to acquire a large-scale early Baroque representation of Moses, with an impressive size, strong sculptural quality and centuries old surface.

Due to the size and vulnerable nature of the sculpture, collection is strongly preferred. Delivery within the Netherlands and Europe is also possible at an advantageous rate. For transport, we can recommend a professional art transporter and assist the buyer in obtaining a quotation. The buyer is also welcome to arrange their own specialised art transport. Please contact us for shipping options.