Pair of high reliefs depicting Jesus and Mary, 17th-18th century

Bronze with transparent gold patina; 29x29x7 cm.

The two high reliefs presented here depict Christ and the Madonna seen in profile. It is rare to encounter such a subject, although quite widespread in devotional practice, resolved with such elegance and skill. Christ is depicted with a bare torso, covered only by a maniple that envelops him, leaving his powerful chest uncovered, almost as if to evoke a classical divinity. The long curls of his hair fall on his shoulders and, in the area that frames his face, seem moved by a mystical wind. The beautiful virile and bearded profile is turned towards the Mother. A curious detail is the presence, in the composition, of the "Tipha Latifoglia", known as "rush", a symbol, since the time of Dante, of the humility of the soul that bends to the will of God. Perfectly fitting for Christ, who accepts his tragic destiny for the salvation of humanity. The Madonna is also depicted as an elegant classical matron. A high "oriental" turban allows a glimpse of the hair that frames her face. A veil covers the turban and falls at the sides to tie under the chin with a beautiful bow. The classic tunic is completed by a draped cloak that wraps around the torso, closing the composition with the delicacy of a cameo. The two profiles are characterized by a baroque taste inspired by classicism, reflecting the cultural influence of the time. Great sculptors such as Algardi, Pierre Puget or Duquesnoy are the stylistic reference points for these two tondi with a devotional character, but with a courtly imprint.

Bibli. AAVV, Pierre Puget, Electa, Milan, 1995.