Spanish Colonial | Wooden Corpus Christi (Devotional Sculpture) | Circa 17th-Century
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Historical Context & Origin
Region: Spanish Colonial Latin America
Material: Hand-carved hardwood with traces of original polychrome
Period: Circa 17th Century
Description
This striking Spanish Colonial carved wooden Christ figure (Corpus Christi) represents a powerful remnant of early devotional sculpture crafted during the 17th century. Likely originating from a church, private chapel, or mission setting, the figure displays the classic downward-tilting head of sorrow, finely carved facial expression, defined musculature, and draped perizoma (loincloth).
Fashioned from solid hardwood and once richly polychromed, the figure now bears the haunting beauty of centuries of devotion. Surviving traces of original paint and gilding cling to the surface, while a deep aged patina testifies to its long life in religious use. The arms are lost to time, consistent with corpus figures historically mounted to crucifixes.
Features
- Hand-carved Spanish Colonial devotional sculpture
- Expressive downward gaze and finely carved features
- Traces of original gilt and painted surface
- Defined anatomical carving and draped cloth detail
- Deep historical patina throughout
- Museum-worthy example of early Colonial religious art
Cultural Significance
Spanish Colonial Christ figures were central to devotional practice, used in churches, missions, processions, and private altars. Each figure served as a visual expression of sacrifice, compassion, and divine presence, intended to engage worshippers emotionally and spiritually.
Today, surviving examples are highly valued for their historical, artistic, and devotional importance — tangible connections to early colonial faith life, craftsmanship, and sacred identity in the New World.
Condition
Good antique devotional condition with age-appropriate wear. Loss of both arms, expected surface wear, stable age crack through torso, and paint/gilding loss throughout. Small historic worm holes and handling wear present. Structurally stable with excellent visual presence. Later hanging hook present to back.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Height: 15 inches
Width: 3.5 inches
Depth: 2.5 inches
Age
Approximately 350–425 years old
Learn More
Discover the cultural history, symbolism, and devotional importance of Spanish Colonial religious art in this insightful feature on Spanish Colonial Art
Explore more authenticated sacred relics, devotional sculptures, and spiritual artifacts in our curated Religious & Spiritual Relics Collection
Descripción
Historical Context & Origin
Region: Spanish Colonial Latin America
Material: Hand-carved hardwood with traces of original polychrome
Period: Circa 17th Century
Description
This striking Spanish Colonial carved wooden Christ figure (Corpus Christi) represents a powerful remnant of early devotional sculpture crafted during the 17th century. Likely originating from a church, private chapel, or mission setting, the figure displays the classic downward-tilting head of sorrow, finely carved facial expression, defined musculature, and draped perizoma (loincloth).
Fashioned from solid hardwood and once richly polychromed, the figure now bears the haunting beauty of centuries of devotion. Surviving traces of original paint and gilding cling to the surface, while a deep aged patina testifies to its long life in religious use. The arms are lost to time, consistent with corpus figures historically mounted to crucifixes.
Features
- Hand-carved Spanish Colonial devotional sculpture
- Expressive downward gaze and finely carved features
- Traces of original gilt and painted surface
- Defined anatomical carving and draped cloth detail
- Deep historical patina throughout
- Museum-worthy example of early Colonial religious art
Cultural Significance
Spanish Colonial Christ figures were central to devotional practice, used in churches, missions, processions, and private altars. Each figure served as a visual expression of sacrifice, compassion, and divine presence, intended to engage worshippers emotionally and spiritually.
Today, surviving examples are highly valued for their historical, artistic, and devotional importance — tangible connections to early colonial faith life, craftsmanship, and sacred identity in the New World.
Condition
Good antique devotional condition with age-appropriate wear. Loss of both arms, expected surface wear, stable age crack through torso, and paint/gilding loss throughout. Small historic worm holes and handling wear present. Structurally stable with excellent visual presence. Later hanging hook present to back.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Height: 15 inches
Width: 3.5 inches
Depth: 2.5 inches
Age
Approximately 350–425 years old
Learn More
Discover the cultural history, symbolism, and devotional importance of Spanish Colonial religious art in this insightful feature on Spanish Colonial Art
Explore more authenticated sacred relics, devotional sculptures, and spiritual artifacts in our curated Religious & Spiritual Relics Collection
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