Corpus Christi, Allemagne ou Bohême, XVIIe siècle

F. Antonovich, L'art à la cour de Rodolphe II, Empereur du Saint Empire Romain Germanique. Prague et son rayonnement, Paris, 1992, n° 164.

Overall the condition of the bronze is good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is a visible stable original joint to the top of the proper right arm. There are a few stable fissures due to casting flaws, including one running from the sternum, through the top of the abdomen and round the proper left side to the spine; another fissure runs along the spine. There is a small lacuna to the bottom tip of the suspended drape of the perizonium. There is some rubbing to the patina. There are original holes for the stigmata. The bronze is sold with a bronze plaque inscribed INRI, in good condition with two small original holes for mounting.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Ce Christ en bronze est remarquable par la qualité de sa fonte et de sa ciselure. Il concentre les caractéristiques stylistiques propres au Maniérisme tardif développé dans les pays du Nord de Europe, notamment en Allemagne et à Prague, à la cour de Rudolphe II. La silhouette fine et étirée du Christ, le traitement stylisé de sa chevelure et ses yeux mi-clos aux paupières nettement dessinées se rapprochent d'un Christ Ressuscité attribué à Giovanni Maria Nosseni (cf. F. Antonovich, op.cit., n° 164). La musculature développée de son corps rappelle celle d'un Hercule en bronze vendu en 2012 (Sotheby's Londres, 3 juillet 2012, lot 81).