A Primitive Wooden 17th century Baroque Flemish Corpus of Christ

Anonymous
Belgium; ca. 1650-1700
Wood (walnut?)

Approximate size: 22.75 (h) x 18.5 (w) x 10 (d) in.

The scale of this sculpture indicates its original setting was either in the central apse of a small provincial church, a private chapel or the side chapel of a larger church.  The unusually squat character of this Christ with his low slung and slightly enlarged head may indicate it was to be viewed by an attendant congregation below.

The chunky, flaring perizonium is in keeping with an earlier Baroque modality with the residual tastes of an earlier Gothic sentiment still present.  The expired face of Christ recalls Northern French influences, with a touch of those working in the Lille region, although the carving of this crucifix likely took place in Flanders in what was possibly a provincial workshop. The stocky physiognomy and rotundness and weight of Christ’s features is unique and serves as a stark fleshy contrast to the more common European depictions of Christ as an emaciated figure. This lends to an ambience of dull suffering rather than a sharp final moment and gives this sculpture a primitive and aged character that beckons a different kind of contemplation. 

Condition: 20th century restorations have been introduced, inclusive of a replacement to the upper left bicep of Christ’s proper left arm and the entire proper right arm being altogether replaced up to the antique join. A further restoration may have been introduced to the reverse of the sculpture, along the proper left calf of Christ. Such restorations are not uncommon in an attempt to preserve historic artifacts within churches and institutions.  The remaining artwork is in a condition commensurate with age with various dings, scratches, minor chips or losses and old worming, particularly present along the verso of the sculpture where moisture would have accumulated when mounted to an old wooden cross or against a church wall.  

Please note, this item ships from our storage facility in Belgium and will require additional time to pack and ship to the USA.