6
17th-Century Austrian Sculpture of the Madonna & Child
Estimate:
$2,000 - $3,000
Sold
$4,100
Live Auction
Sacred Statues: Gothic to Baroque 14th-17th C
Description
This finely carved and polychromed wood sculpture of the Madonna and Child is attributed to the Austrian (East Tyrol) School, a distinguished regional tradition of woodcarving that flourished from the late Renaissance into the Baroque period. Likely dating from the mid-17th to early 18th century, the composition presents the crowned Madonna seated in majesty, holding a scepter as the Christ Child balances on her lap, grasping an orb-a traditional symbol of his divine authority as Salvator Mundi (Savior of the World).
The East Tyrol School was part of a broader Alpine tradition of master woodcarving, which thrived in Austria, Southern Germany, and Northern Italy during the 16th to 18th centuries. Rooted in the Gothic tradition, these workshops evolved under the influence of the Italian and Bavarian Baroque styles, blending dramatic expression with naturalistic details. The region's skilled artisans, often trained in monastic workshops, created religious sculptures that adorned churches, chapels, and private devotional spaces.
Sculptures from the East Tyrol School are known for their graceful yet expressive figures, finely carved drapery, and polychrome decoration that enhances realism. Unlike the more theatrical compositions of the Italian Baroque, East Tyrol artisans emphasized piety and human tenderness, often portraying the Virgin Mary and Christ with soft, contemplative expressions rather than exaggerated movement.
The influence of South German Rococo and Bavarian Baroque can be seen in the delicate rendering of facial features and intricate folds of drapery, while the use of gilding and rich color palettes reflects the influence of Venetian polychrome techniques. The present example exhibits these hallmarks, particularly in the lifelike facial expressions and the detailed treatment of textiles.
Likely commissioned for a church or private chapel, this sculpture would have served as an object of veneration, reinforcing Catholic teachings on the divine role of the Virgin Mary and Christ. During the Counter-Reformation period, which saw a revival of religious imagery in Catholic Europe, such sculptures played an essential role in inspiring devotion and reinforcing doctrinal themes.
The back of the sculpture bears an inscription, "1646 MB," though it is uncertain whether this marks the actual date of creation or a later addition the date is consistent with the style and artistic elements presented.
Artist: Austrian (East Tyrol) School
Issued: Mid 17th- Early 18th century
Dimensions: 34"L x 18"W x 61"H
Country of Origin: Austria
Provenance: Chapel near Lienz, Austria; John and Johanna Bass Collection, New York, NY; Bass Museum of Art, Miami Beach, FL, 1963.
The East Tyrol School was part of a broader Alpine tradition of master woodcarving, which thrived in Austria, Southern Germany, and Northern Italy during the 16th to 18th centuries. Rooted in the Gothic tradition, these workshops evolved under the influence of the Italian and Bavarian Baroque styles, blending dramatic expression with naturalistic details. The region's skilled artisans, often trained in monastic workshops, created religious sculptures that adorned churches, chapels, and private devotional spaces.
Sculptures from the East Tyrol School are known for their graceful yet expressive figures, finely carved drapery, and polychrome decoration that enhances realism. Unlike the more theatrical compositions of the Italian Baroque, East Tyrol artisans emphasized piety and human tenderness, often portraying the Virgin Mary and Christ with soft, contemplative expressions rather than exaggerated movement.
The influence of South German Rococo and Bavarian Baroque can be seen in the delicate rendering of facial features and intricate folds of drapery, while the use of gilding and rich color palettes reflects the influence of Venetian polychrome techniques. The present example exhibits these hallmarks, particularly in the lifelike facial expressions and the detailed treatment of textiles.
Likely commissioned for a church or private chapel, this sculpture would have served as an object of veneration, reinforcing Catholic teachings on the divine role of the Virgin Mary and Christ. During the Counter-Reformation period, which saw a revival of religious imagery in Catholic Europe, such sculptures played an essential role in inspiring devotion and reinforcing doctrinal themes.
The back of the sculpture bears an inscription, "1646 MB," though it is uncertain whether this marks the actual date of creation or a later addition the date is consistent with the style and artistic elements presented.
Artist: Austrian (East Tyrol) School
Issued: Mid 17th- Early 18th century
Dimensions: 34"L x 18"W x 61"H
Country of Origin: Austria
Provenance: Chapel near Lienz, Austria; John and Johanna Bass Collection, New York, NY; Bass Museum of Art, Miami Beach, FL, 1963.
Condition
Age related wear. Sporadic areas of chipped wood. The cross is missing on the orb.