Sculpture

Monumental Flemish Baroque putto as allegory of Divine Love (Caritas / Amor Divinus), with a flaming heart Southern Netherlands, ca. 1690–1740 Monumental and expressively carved Baroque putto, depicted with a flaming heart in the outstretched hand, while the other arm points powerfully upward. This combination can be interpreted as an allegory of Divine Love – Caritas / Amor Divinus: the burning heart as a symbol of fervent love and devotion to God, reinforced by the markedly heavenward gesture. The sculpture possesses the powerful plasticity of the South Netherlandish Baroque woodcarving of the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The full anatomy, dynamic pose, deeply carved curls and broad drapery create a strong play of light and shadow. The diagonal movement of both arms gives the work a particularly dynamic and theatrical character. Historical context In Baroque church interiors, such allegorical putti were included in monumental programs of images on altars, pulpits, confessionals and organ cases. They were not exclusively decorative, but made religious concepts visible and recognizable to the observer. The substantial size and the constructive features at the rear and bottom make it plausible that this putto originally formed part of a larger ecclesiastical or architectural ensemble as well. With a height of 62 cm, a powerful silhouette and a deep dark brown patina, the sculpture has a pronounced sculptural presence even apart from its original religious context. A particularly historic work of art that also forms a strong accent within both a classic and contemporary interior. Material: carved wood, presumably hardwood, with a dark brown patinated surface finish Dimensions: H. 62 × W. 20 × D. 34.5 cm Condition Age-related condition with signs of use and restoration, old cracks and seams, local wear and small losses to projecting parts, including fingers and toes. On the rear and underside there are old structural and later fastening elements, presumably related to mounting. The dark brown surface finish is probably wholly or partly of later date. See the photos, which form an integral part of the condition description. Related putti in this auction Within our current Catawiki offering there are two other monumental South Netherlandish Baroque putti with related religious depictions: Faith (Fides) and Repentance / Penance. In Baroque ecclesiastical art, allegorical putti were often brought together within larger religious programs. Content-wise, the three depictions can be read as a spiritual sequence of Faith – Repentance/Penance – Divine Love: from faith, via repentance and penance, to love of God.

Stima:€1,000

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