Late 16th Century / Early 17th Century Carved Wooden Sculpture Of A Monk With Original Polychrome

An impressive head and torso wooden carved polychrome statue of a monk. Mostly likely carved from limewood.

Italian origin. Carved between the late 16th Century to the early 17th Century, where the transition and evolution of styles from the Renaissance to Baroque started to become apparent from the naturalistic pose of the former to the more dramatic theatrical-type pose of the latter. 

He wears a habit, and his hair is cut into a tonsure (this is the practice of cutting or shaving some or all of the hair on the scalp as a sign of religious devotion or humility. The term originates from the Latin word tonsura (meaning “clipping” or “shearing” ) and refers to a specific practice in medieval Catholicism, abandoned by papal order in 1972.)  His left arm is drawn across his chest, with his left hand holding a book. His right arm is outstretched.

He retains his original polychrome.

Provenance – Ex-private collection, North Lincolnshire. England.

Condition – Please refer to the images. This figure appears to have been historically cut down from a full-length sculpture at some point during its life. His lower right forearm and hand are missing. There is a hanging hook verso so the sculpture can be hung from a wall. He displays well. A further detailed condition report is available upon request.

Size – Height 55 cm x Width 36 cm X Depth 23 cm (21 5/8″ x 14 1/8″ x 9 1/16″)