INFANT JESUS OR JESUS AS SAVIOUR OF THE WORLD. FLEMISH SCHOOL, CIRCA FIRST HALF 16TH CENTURY

Child Jesus. Carved and polychrome wood. Flemish school, towards the first half of the 16th century. Baby Jesus with polygonal base made of carved and polychrome wood. The figure is presented naked, standing, with the right hand raised in a gesture of blessing and the left holding a partially golden orb. It is necessary to highlight the shallow depth of the carving, polychrome on all sides, and the lack of work (or less detailed work) in an area on the back of the pedestal that the sculpture has, which would coincide with the part that would be attached to the altar , wall, etc. It should be noted that the hair curls are arranged in the usual way in the type on the back, but those on the front are somewhat peculiar. Reflecting the new “modern devotion” of the time, these figures of Children Jesus were usually used in private oratories (homes, convents, etc.), showing the desire of the time to emphasize the humanity of Christ and a possibly widespread particular cult. by the Dominicans. These small figures, prestigious but relatively affordable, had great success outside the Netherlands, with those made in Mechelen being the best considered, and with Spain being a very frequent destination for the “dolls or dolls of Mechelen” (Virgins, Children of Jesus , etc.). They were works that, on many occasions, bore marks, thus highlighting their origin. Within the stages into which Mechelen's production is usually divided, there is talk of a third in which the production of pieces intensifies (the majority of preserved works correspond, therefore, to this period), but, curiously, the Children (which until now were the second piece most often manufactured and requested by customers) move to third place, being surpassed by Santa Ana. The measurements are usually between 35 and 37 centimeters high in the classic format (with a depth of between 7 and 8 centimeters) and 29 to 30 centimeters in the smallest format (with a depth of between 4 and 7 centimeters). Their appearance is thinner, with facial features that are sometimes already angular (they continue to be made “round” following previous models, but these are more schematic now), and they occasionally place a cushion under their feet. This stage is dated between 1515 and 1535. Compare, for example, with a Child from the Louvain-la-Neuve Museum (inv. VH552), or with the base or pedestal (similar lines) of that from the Museum of the Hôpital Notre-Dame à la Rose (inv. 0108). Above all, we must remember one in the Museo voor Religieuze Junst (Inv. 0011) with the base with cushion on an architectural form due to its elongated shapes, located in the period of intensification of production. The arrangement of the hair resembles that of the Museum of Fairs, dated around 1500, and that of the Quinta das Cruzes Museum (inventory MQC 2307).

· Size: 11,5x7x33 cms.