Lot 1417 Rα

An ivory Crucifixion group with the two thieves, South Germany, circa 1640. Ivory, carved in the round, the arms added. The central figure of Christ is depicted with head hanging and accompanied by the two thieves. Their bodies are shown in dynamic poses with twisted arms. The good thief Dismas turns his head toward Christ and the bad thief has turned his head away.
The inspiration for images such as this are to be found in Italian art around 1600, although no exact precursor has been found thus far. Theuerkauff refers to a piece attributed to Leonhard Kern (1588-1662) and an ivory crucifixion group in the Imperial Treasury in Vienna dated around 1626 in which the thieves are shown in similar poses, but without further stylistic similarity. The present, high quality work could originate in South Germany in the mid 17th century.
The ivory sculptures are mounted on three crosses attached to a wooden plinth with presumably 19th century agate and lapis lazuli inlays (total height 66 cm).