Europe, Augsberg, Germany, ca. 1580 CE. A finely carved, dark wood late 16th century Pieta, a traditional scene depicting the Virgin Mary cradling and lamenting the loss of her son following Jesus' Crucifixion. The remains of deep brown amber and green pigments are evident, with fabulous patina. Elegant delineation of drapery folds, visages, and long limbs and fingers. This particular Pieta composition departs from others, including the most famous Michelangelo monumental marble version in St. Peter's Basilica of the Vatican, in that Mary sweetly holds her child's head toward her face as well as his left hand. More typically Christ's head and hands are depicted falling backward and away from his mother. This more intimate placement of their heads and hands was also ascribed to by the great 15th century Renaissance artist Giovanni Bellini in his painting of the Pieta, ca. 1460 CE as well as the later marble sculpture by William Ordway Partridge (ca. 1906 CE) at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan. Perforations at top for suspension. Size: 6" W x 9.25" H (15.2 cm x 23.5 cm)

Provenance: Estate of Paul & Louise Bernheimer

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#111827

Stable old fissures to Mary's draperies in the vicinity of her waist. Normal surface wear with some old, minor losses as shown.