Young Pope, Italy early 16th century

An Italian head of a very young pope (John XII?) with tiara. Sculpted in ¾ relief with original polychromy. Brown curly hair is visible under his papal crown. The title of youngest pope goes either to John XII (930/937-964) who was nominated between the age of 17 and 25. If he was 17 he may have been the youngest pope in history. If not, that title goes to Benedict IX, who was between 11 and 20 when elected. From the popes of whom the age is exactly known when they were nominated, Leo X was the youngest: he was appointed in 1513 at the age of 37. However, the sculptures and paintings that are known of him bear no resemblance whatsoever to our wooden head.
Our sculpture bears most resemblance to a mid 15th century miniature of John XII from the Codex Palatinus Germanicus.
Seriously weathered wood and damage by xylophagi at the back and the top of the relief but impressive soft expression. Chips to the polychromy. On a stone stand. Height (without stand): 25cm.