Wooden high relief 'Santa Barbara', France 16th/17th century

High relief panel depicting 'Santa Barbara'
Southern France, 16th/17th century

Polychrome carved wood with traces of gilding
64 cm x 32 cm.
(good condition, with small flaws and cracks, scattered touch-ups)

This wooden high relief made between the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries depicts Saint Barbara, elegantly dressed in a red dress covered by a cloak with gold borders and tied around her neck by a jewel choker embellished with pearls, the same ones that we find placed in her hair to keep it collected.

The Saint, portrayed full-length in a solemn pose, shows her iconographic attributes: with her left hand she holds the palm of martyrdom, then the sword, the weapon with which she was killed, and naturally the tower where she was locked up, painted in right, the most common and significant symbol.

The quality of the carving is very good, particularly in the drapes of the dress, which flow richly over the figure, increasing its royalty, giving the work great value and character.

As regards the origin and style of the carving, we can place this high relief in the sculptural production of Northern France, where Spanish inflections are present, with a language which, while still archaic, is full of expressive strength and inspired by the principles of Renaissance mannerism Italian.

Consider that the 16th century saw a dense network of cultural exchanges between France, Italy and Spain; in particular, Italian artists arrived in France, called by aristocratic clients due to the prestige now recognized by Renaissance art, especially Tuscan, but also Spanish.

In particular, the stylistic models of the work refer to the sculpture that developed in that territorial area between the south of France up to the Pyrenees and the Catalan region, an area in which many workshops of master sculptors were active.

The excellent state of conservation of the wooden support, with some defects and small drops in colour, allow us to fully appreciate its quality, with traces of the polychromy and gilding still remaining.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The pair of works is sold accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and descriptive iconographic card.

We take care of and organize the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.

It is also possible to see the sculptures in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works.

Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information.

In case of purchase of the work by non-Italian customers it will be necessary to obtain an export permit which requires approximately 10/20 days, our gallery will take care of the entire phase until obtaining it. All costs of this operation are included.

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