Sud della Francia, XVI/XVII secolo

High-relief panel depicting 'Saint Barbara' Southern France, 16th/17th century Polychrome carved wood with traces of gilding 64 x 32 cm. (Good condition, with small losses and cracks, scattered touch-ups) This wooden high relief made between the 16th and 17th centuries depicts Saint Barbara, elegantly dressed in a red dress covered by a cloak with gold borders and fastened at the neck by a jeweled choker embellished with pearls, the same ones found placed in her hair to hold it up. The Saint, portrayed in full figure in a solemn pose, shows her iconographic attributes: with her left hand she holds the palm of martyrdom, then the sword, the weapon with which she was killed, and of course the tower where she was locked up, painted on the right, the most common and significant symbol. The quality of the carving is very good, especially in the drapery of the dress, which falls richly on the figure, increasing its royalty, giving the work great value and character. Regarding the origin and style of the carving, we can place this high relief in the sculptural production of Northern France, where Spanish inflections are present, with a language that, still archaic, is full of expressive force and inspired by the principles of Italian Renaissance mannerism. It should be considered that the 16th century saw a dense network of cultural exchanges between France, Italy and Spain; in particular, Italian artists arrived in France, called by aristocratic patrons for the prestige now recognized in Renaissance art, especially Tuscan, but also Spanish. In particular, the stylistic models of the work refer to the sculpture that developed in that territorial area between the south of France up to the Pyrenees and the Catalan region, an area in which many workshops of master sculptors were active. The excellent state of preservation of the wooden support, with some missing parts and small paint losses, allows us to fully appreciate its quality, with still traces of polychromy and gilding. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The pair of works is sold with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet. We handle and organize the transport of purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. It is also possible to see the sculptures in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works. Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information. In case of purchase of the work by non-Italian customers, it will be necessary to obtain an export permit which takes about 10/20 days, our gallery will take care of the entire phase until obtaining it. All costs of this operation are included. Also follow us on: https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/