Lot 1009 Dα

Austria circa 1500

An Austrian figure of Christ at the column, circa 1500

Probably fruitwood, carved in the round and partially freestanding, only the reverse of the plinth partially flattened. With original polychromy, overpainted to the plinth. Christ is shown with his arms bound behind his back to a narrow column set onto a round earth plinth. He stands in gentle contrapposto with his right foot advanced and placed upon a stone and his head slightly lowered. The figure is clothed solely in a perizonium, and Christ's thus exposed flesh has been carved finely and in great detail, as have his facial features and hair. The piece has been tentatively ascribed to the little known artist Hans von Villach, which would indicate an origin in Carinthia.
Christ's bound hands partially missing. Three drilled holes to the head presumably originally held an aureola. Some minor wear. Height 56 cm.