Gilt-Bronze Corpus of Christ — South German or Italian, 16th Century Provenance: Christie’s Amsterdam, Sale Furniture and Works of Art, 15–16 December 2008, Lot 45 A rare and expressive gilt-bronze Corpus Christi, dating to the second half of the 16th century. Finely cast in solid bronze, the figure shows a beautifully modelled anatomical treatment typical of the South German or Northern Italian Renaissance tradition. Christ is depicted with His head inclined to the right, the body elegantly elongated and the legs crossed in a subtle contrapposto stance. Traces of the original gilding remain throughout, creating an atmospheric contrast between the warm gold tones and the darker exposed bronze. The corpus retains its original pierced hands and feet, indicating former attachment to a crucifix. Losses to the left hand and a restored break to the right ankle are consistent with age and devotional use. Mounted on a modern clear perspex display stand to allow full appreciation of the form and sculptural detailing. A Historically Significant Corpus This refined devotional sculpture was likely created for a private altarpiece or small chapel crucifix. The stylistic qualities including the elongated proportions, detailed loincloth and emotional expression point to Renaissance craftsmanship either from a South German workshop active in Bavaria/Austria, or alternatively from Northern Italy, where similar religious bronzes were produced for the export market. Highlights • Renaissance gilt-bronze sculpture • Devotional corpus with fine anatomical modelling • Rare survival from a 16th-century private crucifix • Christie’s provenance (2008) included, from an important Belgian private collection Please note that we currently do not ship orders to the United States.