Fine German Renaissance Gilt Bronze Corpus Christi, 17th/18th Century

GILT BRONZE CORPUS CHRISTI
Probably German, circa 17th century or 18th century

6 3/8" H

Gilt bronze, later stand

A small gilt bronze Corpus Christi following the tradition of those produced in German during the early seventeenth century and on through the eighteenth century depicting Christ as the Christus patiens, the suffering Savior after death, with his head bowed and inclined toward the proper right shoulder. The closed eyes, elongated body, and quiet downward turn of the head give the figure a devotional gravity appropriate to private or altar use.

The model reflects the influence of crucifix types associated with Guglielmo della Porta and his Roman workshop, whose Corpus Christi figures became important models in the second-half of the sixteenth century. Those Italian prototypes were widely adapted in bronze, silver and other metals and the influence of those casts was widely disseminated, including to workshops north of the Alps. The present figure shows the very loose influence of the della Porta workshop together with the unknown sculptor's individual artistic preferences injected into the final work.

The head of Christ is exquisitely detailed, perhaps the most carefully treated element of the work. His hair is beautifully chiseled and his face exudes the divine. A tiny hole in the top of the head is the only remaining evidence of either a halo or crown of thorns that was separately applied, both typical for this form, though the placement favors a halo.

The perizonium is distinctive, being tied high at Christ’s proper right hip and arranged in unusually well articulated ruffled folds beneath the abdomen while the larger folds of the garment are loosely treated, covering both thighs rather than exposing one leg in a more dramatic Italianate manner. The artist has chosen to obscure rather than reveal the body of Christ with the conservative placement of the perizonium. The feet are intended to be secured by a single nail. The hands are open and pierced for attachment to a cross, emphasizing the object’s original function as the Corpus from a devotional crucifix rather than as a stand-alone sculptural work - and while the reverse of the figure is fully finished, it is a highly economical execution with much looser treatment devoid of chiseling, texturing or development of any detail; it presents with more porosity and pitting and no anatomical expression beyond what is strictly necessary.

The Passion imagery is restrained and no clearly defined side wound is visible. The pathos of the figure rests instead on the bowed head and the exhaustion of the body to convey Christ after death.

Raised on a later custom brass stand.

Condition: Originality of the gilding unknown, worn and revealing a finely patinated underlying bronze surface. Porosity in the surface. Losses to the fingers. Trace verdigris and accretion in the crevices, specifically in the hair. Later stand.

ref. 606YCT25P