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

Child Jesus. Carved and polychrome wood. towards the first half of the 16th century. Later adaptations probably in the 18th 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. The arrangement of the hair is common at school, but the shape of the curls or their sculptural treatment is not, nor is the slight tilt of the head to one side. The base also responds to common models, but, again, the polychrome must be highlighted, since the presence of stripes, enhanced with plant elements, is not very common. 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. This carving must be compared, for example, with a Child from the Louvain-la-Neuve Museum (inv. VH552). 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. It is also necessary to mention that of the Louvre Museum in Paris from the 16th century (dated to the beginning of the century).

· Size: 13,5x7x40 cms.