Lot 2192 Dα

Spain around 1600

A Spanish carved wood processional figure, around 1600

Carved in the round. Hollow below the hips, as the lower part is made from separately carved blocks and closed with a stabilising panel. With glass eyes and metal crown. Original polychromy. A depiction of a crowned female saint designed for a frontal and lowered viewpoint, holding her (now lost) hands stretched forward. The figure's voluminous gown falling in gentle folds provides her with both a statuesque appearance and a secure base, identifying the work as a processional figure. The dense floral pattern of the dress allows us to date the figure to around 1600 or in the early years of the 17th century. The work is thought to depict Saint Elisabeth of Hungary, who is widely revered in Spain.
The original separately attached hands lost (with newer, but now damaged, hands added later). Hairline cracks to the neck. Wear with minor losses. Height (with crown) 109 cm.