High-relief panel depicting 'Saint Barbara'
Southern France, 16th/17th century
Polychrome carved wood with traces of gilding
64 x 32 cm.
(good condition, with minor losses and cracks, scattered retouching)
This high-relief wooden carving, created between the 16th and 17th centuries, depicts Saint Barbara, elegantly dressed in a red gown covered by a cloak with gold trim and tied at the neck with a jeweled choker adorned with pearls, the same pearls found in her hair to keep it gathered.
The Saint, depicted full-length in a solemn pose, displays her iconographic attributes: in her left hand, she holds the palm of martyrdom, then the sword, the weapon with which she was killed, and of course the tower where she was imprisoned, painted on the right, the most common and significant symbol.
The quality of the carving is very good, particularly in the drapery of the dress, which falls richly over the figure, increasing her regality, giving the work great value and character.
Regarding the origin and style of the carving, we can place this high-relief within the sculptural production of Northern France, where Spanish inflections are present, with a language that, still archaic, is full of expressive force and inspired by the principles of Italian Renaissance Mannerism.
It should be noted 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 patrons for the prestige that Renaissance art, especially Tuscan, already enjoyed, as well as Spanish artists.
In particular, the stylistic models of the work refer to the sculpture that developed in that territorial area between southern France up to the Pyrenees and the Catalan region, an area where many master sculptors' workshops were active.
The excellent state of preservation of the wooden support, with some losses and small paint flakes, allows its quality to be fully appreciated, with traces of polychromy and gilding still present.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The pair of works is sold with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.
We handle and organize the transport of purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.
It is also possible to view the sculptures in the Riva del Garda gallery; we will be pleased 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, an export permit will be required, which takes about 10/20 days, and our gallery will handle the entire process until its receipt. All costs for this operation are included.
Follow us also on :
https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it
https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/
