Central Rhine Region mid-15th century
A mid-15th century Pietà group, Central Rhine Region, from the estate of Prince Johann Georg of Saxony
Wooden figure carved three-quarters in the round and partially freestanding, the reverse slightly flattened and deeply hollowed out. With extensive remains of former polychromy, partially applied to small strips of canvas attached to the wood. A finely carved figure designed for a frontal and deeply lowered viewpoint. The work depicts the Virgin cradling the body of Her dead Son in Her lap, holding His left wrist and raising the tip of Her veil to Her face with Her right hand in a gesture of mourning. The figure's expressive quality is especially evident in the figure of Christ, whose sunken form with its limply hanging arm is turned towards the observer through the placement of the face and the protruding rib cage.
With wear and very minor losses, particularly to the robe hems and the plinth. 71 x 46 x 28 cm.
Certificate
Paul Hübner, Freiburg 7.3.1951.
Provenance
Acquired in 1925 by Prince Johann Georg von Sachsen (1869-1938) for his collection in Umkirch Palace near Freiburg. - Passed directly from his estate to a German private collection via the Freiburg art market in 1951 and subsequently by descent in family ownership. - Continental private collection.