Christ Salvator Mundi, polychrome wood, Poland, 19th century.
2200,00 zł
Wooden sculpture depicting Christ as Salvator Mundi (Savior of the World), made in Poland in the 19th century. An example of folk Baroque sculpture, combining a religious theme with a simple, legible form. The full-plastic, frontal figure shows a young Jesus in a gesture of blessing, with a globe in his left hand.
The figure is dressed in a white tunic and blue coat with yellow piping. Remnants of the original polychrome and natural traces of use are visible. The simplified modeling, linear folds and expressive face indicate a folk workshop from southern Poland, representing the late Baroque tradition of devotional sculpture.
Symbolism
Salvator Mundi theme shows Christ as Savior and ruler of the world. The right hand in the blessing gesture signifies spiritual authority, while the globe in the left hand symbolizes dominion over all creation. It was a popular Counter-Reformation motif in Baroque art, emphasizing the presence of Christ as the mediator between God and man.
Historical context
The sculpture was created in Poland in the 18th century, during the Counter-Reformation period , when religious art had a didactic and devotional function. Salvator Mundi representations were made for side altars, monastery chapels and private shrines.
The sculpture represents the folk Baroque variety, in which realism has been replaced by symbolism and a synthetic approach to form. Features typical of rural sculpture workshops of the 18th century are evident: frontal positioning of figures, shortened body proportions, strongly marked gestures and contrasting, saturated colors.
In Western iconography, the Salvator Mundi motif has appeared since the 13th century, but during the Baroque period it gained special significance as a symbol of Christ's authority over the mortal world. Sculptures with a globe were often placed in domestic altars or monastery refectories as a sign of protection and blessing.
Collector's value
Salvator Mundi sculptures preserved in their original polychrome are sought after on the sacred art market. This specimen is distinguished by its good state of preservation, the complete capture of the figure and the authentic surface color. It is a valuable example of Baroque folk sculpture from the Polish area.
Artistic qualities
The proportions of the figures are balanced, and the frontal composition facilitates altar display. The figure is developed simply, with limited modeling and schematic treatment of the folds of the robe. The face and gesture are framed sparingly, which places the figure in the character of late Baroque folk sculpture.
Application
The statue may have been intended for home worship, a monastery shrine or a side altar. Today it represents a collector's and educational object, useful for the study of Counter-Reformation iconography and sculpture workshops of the 18th century.
| Weight | 1,6 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 45,5 × 17 × 14 cm |
| Type |
Sacred sculpture |
| Form |
Full-figure, frontal figure showing young Jesus in a gesture of blessing – right hand raised, left hand holding a blue globe symbolizing power over the world |
| Materiał |
Polychrome wood |
| Kolorystyka |
Blitz ,Brown ,White ,Yellow |
| Czas powstania |
18th century (1701-1800) |
| Era |
Baroque |
| Kraj pochodzenia |
Poland |
| State of preservation |
Very good; visible rubbing and cracking of wood, well-preserved colors, original polychromy |
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