152

Ivory Corpus Christi, Italy, 18th century

Total weight: 3255 g

Antique elephant ivory crucifix (Elephas maximus Linnaeus, 1758 or Loxodonta africana Blumenbach, 1797), finely carved in the round and placed on a cherry wood cross with an ivory front and ebony (Diospyros spp) side panels.

The figure of Christ consists of three distinct elements: the body and the two arms. The body is represented with composure, in keeping with the sacrifice, with a sober anatomical rendering that hints at the musculature of the torso and limbs; the nailed hands convey a restrained sense of pain and resignation.

The head is turned to the right, with eyes half-closed and turned towards the sky, evoking a calm and introspective expression. The hair, soft and curly like the beard, topped with a crown of thorns, falls over the shoulders, delicately framing the face.

The torso is carved with a slight tension, revealing the abdominal muscles and ribs. His legs, slightly bent to the right, draw the eye to his feet, which are nailed separately. The loincloth is sculpted with a refined play of fluid folds and draped with great skill, supported by a double cord and tied on the left hip, from which a large drape falls. The cross is mounted on a rectangular stepped base resting on lion feet, painted in faux tortoiseshell and decorated with ebonised wood edges; the work is completed by decorative elements in gilded metal and wood.

The elegance of the ivory sculpture, the refinement of the anatomical rendering and the expressive composure denote a work of high quality, intended for a cultured and devout clientele. The figure of Christ can be attributed to 18th-century Italian production, while the wooden cross and the faux tortoiseshell painted base, enriched with gilded metal inserts and ebonised elements, are from a later period, probably the late 19th century, added to enhance and highlight the original sculpture.

Height x width x depth: 72.5 x 28 x 23 cm

Height x width of Christ: 24.5 x 21.5 cm

Height x width x depth of cross: 58.5 x 35 x 1.5 cm

Height x width x depth of base: 15 x 28 x 23.5 cm

This lot, accompanied by a CITES certificate and expertise issued by Ce.S.Ar Centro studi archeometici, is only available for sale with shipments within the European Union. (expertise Ce.S.Ar. 2025-206)

Provenance:
Count Luigi Rigi Luperti collection.