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Ceroplastic depicting Jesus Christ, Naples, 17th - 18th century
ebonised and gilded wooden display case frames a polychrome wax bas-relief, set against a painted background with a halo, depicting Jesus in half-length.
Wax sculptures like this one were made using beeswax and resins, which, after being molded, were painted with natural pigments to achieve realistic tones. These works were commonly used to create religious figures, as in this case, where the wax is used to sculpt the face and neck of Christ.
Wax sculptures like this one were made using beeswax and resins, which, after being molded, were painted with natural pigments to achieve realistic tones. These works were commonly used to create religious figures, as in this case, where the wax is used to sculpt the face and neck of Christ.
In Italian art production, especially in the central and southern regions, between the 17th and 18th centuries, there was a strong emphasis on highly detailed naturalism, influenced by Baroque style. For this reason, the details were often created with additional materials: for example, in this depiction, the eyes are made of glass, while the beard and hair are crafted from silk, and the garments are enriched with real fabrics. Furthermore, the figures were often preserved in carved wooden cases or tabernacles with glass, serving both as protection and as a means of enhancing their aesthetic value.
€ 4.000,00 / 6.000,00
Estimate
2.400,00 €
Starting price
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Live auction 327
Curiosities from European and Oriental art
Curiosities from European and Oriental art
Silvers, Ivories, Corals, Icons, and Wunderkammer
Palazzo Caetani Lovatelli, tue 25 February 2025
FIRST SESSION
25/02/2025 Hours 12:00 pm
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25/02/2025 Hours 04:00 pm
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