Large Wooden Christ from Sainte-Lucie, Late 17th Century

A large and moving sculpture depicting the crucified Christ from the late 17th century.

The head, tilted back on the right shoulder, the gaze directed towards heaven towards the outstretched arms, and the expressive features of the face imbue this Christ with intense emotion.
The slender anatomy of the body is emphasized with strength and sensuality; the rendering of muscular tension is expressed with remarkable realism and masterful execution.
Also noteworthy is the drapery of the loincloth, finely rendered with elegant pleats.
This Christ is carved from Sainte-Lucie wood. This wood, with its reddish hues, comes from a variety of cherry tree. Its name originates from a convent – ??Sainte-Lucie-du-Mont – located in the hills above Sampigny in the Meuse region, where, in the 17th century, a craft developed for religious objects made from this type of wood, which was abundant in the area surrounding the convent.

It is also called "Bagard wood," after the famous sculptor from Nancy, César Bagard (1620-1709), who created some very beautiful objects from it during the second half of the 17th century, as evidenced by our Christ figure.

Dimensions: H. 57 cm x W. 42 cm

France
A large and moving sculpture depicting the crucified Christ from the late 17th century.

The head, tilted back on the right shoulder, the gaze directed towards heaven towards the outstretched arms, and the expressive features of the face imbue this Christ with intense emotion.
The slender anatomy of the body is emphasized with strength and sensuality; the rendering of muscular tension is expressed with remarkable realism and masterful execution.
Also noteworthy is the drapery of the loincloth, finely rendered with elegant pleats.
This Christ is carved from Sainte-Lucie wood. This wood, with its reddish hues, comes from a variety of cherry tree. Its name originates from a convent – ??Sainte-Lucie-du-Mont – located in the hills above Sampigny in the Meuse region, where, in the 17th century, a craft developed for religious objects made from this type of wood, which was abundant in the area surrounding the convent.

It is also called "Bagard wood," after the famous sculptor from Nancy, César Bagard (1620-1709), who created some very beautiful objects from it during the second half of the 17th century, as evidenced by our Christ figure.

Dimensions: H. 57 cm x W. 42 cm

France
Sainte Lucie wood
Beautiful patina
Late 17th century


Beautiful patina
Late 17th century