Beautiful German Pieta known as "Vesperbild"

IMPORTANT GERMAN PIETÀ FROM THE 14th CENTURY ORIGIN: GERMANY, REGION DE COLOGNE PERIOD: BEGINNING IF THE 14th CENTURY, ca. 1330 Height: 98 cm Length: 45 cm Depth: 33 cm Polychromed linden wood Good condition of conservation Provenance : particular Alsatian collection The theme of the Pietà or Vesperbild appears in Germany at the end of the 13th century, reflecting the mysticism of the late Middle Ages. Although the theme does not exist in the Gospels, it was often mentioned in contemporary devotional literature. Indeed, during the first half of the 14th century, mystical thought and devotional practices changed under the impulse of a number of religious, among them Heinrich Suso and St Bridget. In his writings, Suso placed important emphasis on contemplation and meditation in the footsteps of Christ's martyrdom. This will have great impact in the field of art, especially in Germany and later in France. The emphasis will from now on be on grief, death is shown in a straightforward way. The wounds of Christ are gaping and bloody. The suffering of Christ and the seven sorrows of the Virgin Mary are meditated upon. This piece demonstrates the interest of the faithful in these representations where pathos reigns. The virgin is represented seated in a frontal position. The bust is very elongated. She is wearing a red dress with a simple neckline and a blue mantel...

VIRGIN AND CHILD IN MAJESTY, ALSO KNOWN AS "SEDES SAPIENTIAE"   ORIGIN : SPAIN, CATALOGNE PERIOD: EARLY 13th CENTURY   Height :  95 cm Width : 32 cm Depth : 28 cm   Softwood No polychromy     In the middle of the 12th century, the Virgin took her place in churches, seated in Majesty, serving as a throne for her son Jesus. She is then called Sedes Sapientiae, meaning the Throne of Wisdom. At that time, she is not represented for herself and only exists because she has been designated as Theotokos, the mother of God, at the Council of Ephesus in 431, where the divine nature of Christ was proclaimed from his birth.   The upright and perfectly hieratic bust of this Virgin and Child in Majesty is seated on a throne-bench. She is dressed in a tunic with a rounded neckline and covered with a fine mantle placed on her narrow shoulders. The supple and natural drapery follows the lines of the body.   Large curls frame her face with delicate and regular features, a long straight nose, almond-shaped eyes, and small lips.   She supports the Infant Jesus with her left hand. Like his mother, he is dressed in a long tunic, and his little feet are visible in the folds. He holds a small sphere in his left hand, while with his right hand, he gestures in blessing. The face of Christ bears a strong resemblance to his mother’s one, and he gives a slight smile.   The position of the Child is no longer as hieratic, nor frontal or central as in the early 12th century, but his face still turns towards the faithful.   The 13th century indeed emerges as a period of transition in the artistic domain. The statuary, while retaining certain characteristics still belonging to the habits of the previous century, also develops new formal solutions.   As a result, Mary maintains a hieratic and frontal position, while her son shifts to place himself well to the left on her knee. Similarly, while the Virgin seems perfectly still, Jesus, on the other hand, appears much more animated, especially in the positioning of his hands. His left hand holds the orb, and judging by the raised right arm directed towards the faithful, one can easily imagine that he was making a gesture of blessing.   The influence of the Sedes Sapientiae from previous centuries still seems particularly prevalent in this work.   These few characteristics allow dating this Spanish Virgin...

Immerse yourself in the poignant beauty of this significant carved wood and polychrome sculpture depicting the iconic scene of the Pieta. Crafted possibly in Spain during the 19th century, this artwork stands as a striking testament to sacred art and artistic mastery of the era. The sculpture, executed with exceptional quality, captures the delicacy and devotion of the Pieta scene, where the Virgin Mary cradles the body of Jesus Christ after the crucifixion. Despite some minor losses, as shown in the accompanying photos, these do not significantly diminish the value or beauty of the piece. Measuring 108x60x55 cm, including the wooden base, this sculpture possesses an imposing presence that will command attention in any space. The expressiveness of the figures and the meticulous attention to detail attest to the sculptor's talent and deep understanding of the religious theme. Whether as the centerpiece of a sacred art collection or as a standout element in a devotional space, this Pieta sculpture...

A reverent mid-20th century Italian white marble sculpture, finely carved after Michelangelo’s celebrated Madonna della Pietà. The work depicts the Virgin Mary cradling the lifeless ...