Lot 1647 D‡α

Goa 1st half 17th century

A Goan carved altar shrine with a crucifix, first half 17th century

The shrine and cross carved from wood with original polychromy and gilding, the ivory Corpus carved in the round with original partial polychromy. This large altar shrine is designed to resemble an architectural ensemble with columns on either side decorated with angel's heads, tendrils and two pelicans as symbols of the Eucharist. The round pediment is surrounded by scrollwork. The base into which the cross is placed is designed as a rocky hillock with the skull and the snake from the Garden of Eden. The expressive figure of Christ is accentuated by partial polychromy.
The back panel cracked. The right column loose. Minimal wear. 95 x 61 x 19 cm.