Spain, early 16th century AD. A carved wooden head from a sculpture depicting a mature male with full beard and brushed moustache, with shoulder-length hair and a neat tiered turban; the lips slightly parted and the eyes modelled closed with eyelash detailing extending below the rim; the surface gesso-covered to accept the paint; mounted on a custom-made stand. The topic of the Resurrection was one of the more powerful images used to promote the Christian message during the Middle Ages. It usually takes the form of a triumphant Christ stepping out of the tomb in which he had been placed after the Crucifixion while a number of Roman soldiers slumber peacefully around it. The present sculpture probably represents one of the sleeping soldiers from such a scene, imagined by a Spanish artist of the Renaissance who furnished his figure with a contemporary form of dress. 342 grams total, 22.5cm including stand (9"). Spanish private collection. Ex central London gallery. [No Reserve]

Fine condition.