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780 - Carved bone sculpture of an apostle, Italy, 17th century Scu…
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Estimate €1,200 - €3,000
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Description
Carved bone sculpture of an apostle, Italy, 17th century Sculpture carved from bone. Height: 18 cm. This sculpture depicts a standing apostle, dressed in a wide, close-fitting tunic and a cloak draped over his shoulders, following the traditional models of Christian imagery developed in Italy during the Early Modern period. The figure is characterised by a long beard and wavy hair, with a serene and contemplative demeanour that emphasises its devotional nature. The right hand is raised towards the chest in a gesture of affirmation or testimony, whilst the left, currently devoid of attributes, must originally have held some element identifying his place within the college of apostles. Carved from bone with remarkable delicacy, the work stands out for the quality of the modelling of the drapery, whose flowing folds create an elegant interplay of light and shadow, as well as for the careful execution of the facial features and hands. This type of small-scale sculpture was usually intended for private devotion, domestic oratories or collectors’ cabinets, and was highly prized amongst the European elites of the 17th and 18th centuries. Based on its stylistic and technical characteristics, the piece can be attributed to 17th-century Italian production, a period in which sculptors specialising in precious materials were highly active, creating works for both religious purposes and for collectors. The absence of the original attributes prevents a definitive identification of the figure; it is therefore prudent to classify it as a representation of an apostle.
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About the sale GRAND SUMMER AUCTION OF HAUTE ÉPOQUE AND PRIVATE COLLECTIONS
Auction location
Auction time 06/29/2026 at 4:00 AM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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