Western Europe, Italy, ca. 16th century CE. A remarkable hand-carved wood door from a tabernacle depicting Christ in high relief and adorned with a layer of lustrous copper. The skillfully sculpted figure stands in contrapposto, dressed in a swaddled loin cloth and a lengthy cape, as his arms lay crossed in shackles before his thick torso. Framed by luscious curls of hair that fall onto his shoulders, his naturalistic visage bears a slightly distraught countenance, presenting squinted eyes beneath a pouting brow, a straight nose, high cheek bones, and full lips surrounded by a thick beard and moustache. A lovely, tiered border envelops the figure and lightly incised strokes decorate the field, creating a textured background. The hinges to the tabernacle door can be seen on Christ's left, while a petite keyhole is featured to his right. Albeit missing the crown of thorns, this relief likely depicts Jesus during the Passion of Christ when he is mocked by the Roman soldiers. After his condemnation by Pontius Pilot, the soldiers dressed Jesus in a robe, which in this case is scarlet, but in others is purple, and knelt before the Christian savior, stating, "Hail, king of the Jews!" (Matthew 27:29). They then continued to mock him by spitting upon him and repeatedly striking him. Size: 8.5" W x 15" H (21.6 cm x 38.1 cm)

The tabernacle, the "dwelling place", houses the Eucharist outside of the Catholic Mass, providing a location where it can be protected and adored. A tabernacle, like the one this door was part of, would have been central to the church in which it was housed, serving as a fixed point for prayer and worship.

Provenance: private Coral Gables, Florida USA collection, acquired in Florence, Italy in 1993

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#160998

Missing right hand of Jesus. Some losses to feet and base of figure, as well as perforations throughout. Nicks, scratches, and abrasions, commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with lovely patina.