Large framed Christ, Nancy School, circa 1700

A large wooden-framed group carved in St. Lucy wood (Prunus mahaleb), from the Nancy School, circa 1700. This school produced a large number of similar groups, though of varying quality, in which Christ on the cross is surrounded by holy figures, usually the Virgin Mary and St. John, St. Mary Magdalene, or an angel, as in our group.
These framed crucifixes are traditionally attributed to the Lorraine master César Bagard, who, although the creator of several crucifixes, was primarily a sculptor of larger figures in stone or marble. His son, Toussaint Bagard, was sufficiently renowned in this field that the city of Nancy commissioned him to create a framed crucifix (whose frame was carved by Vallier) for the visit of Princess Elisabeth Charlotte in 1698. However, the name Chassel also frequently appears in connection with crucifix sculpture, whether referring to Charles Chassel, who died in 1685, or his possible son, mentioned in 1699 as a crucifix sculptor.

It is not possible to settle this question in the absence of a signature, but some of the most beautiful crucifixes can likely be attributed to the Bagard or Chassel workshops.

The group is presented in its original frame. The openwork top section is likely of a later date. It should be noted that there are two missing pieces on Christ’s fingers and the tip of his beard, as well as two small missing fragments of petals along the border.

Height: 90 cm - Width: 48 cm
Origin: Nancy, France
Provenance: French art market