INFANT JESUS OR JESUS AS SAVIOUR OF THE WORLD. FLEMISH SCHOOL, CIRCA FIRST HALF 16TH CENTURY

Infant Jesus. Carved and polychrome wood. Flemish school, first half of the 16th century. Infant Jesus with a polygonal base made of carved and polychrome wood. The figure is presented naked, standing, with the right hand raised in a gesture of blessing and the left holding a partially gilded orb. It is necessary to highlight the shallowness of the carving, polychrome on all sides, and the lack of work (or less detailed work) in an area of the back of the base of the sculpture, which would coincide with the part that would be attached to the altar, wall, etc. It is necessary to highlight that the curls of the hair are arranged in the usual way in the typology on the back, but those on the front are somewhat peculiar. Reflecting the new “modern devotion” of the time, these figures of the Infant Jesus were often used in private oratories (houses, convents, etc.), showing the desire at the time to emphasise the humanity of Christ and a particular cult possibly spread by the Dominicans. These small figures, prestigious but relatively affordable, were very successful outside the Netherlands, with those made in Malines being the most highly regarded, and with Spain being a very frequent destination for the “Malines dolls” (Virgins, Infant Jesus, etc.). These works often bore marks highlighting their origin. Within the stages into which the production of Malinas is usually divided, there is talk of a third one in which the production of pieces intensified (the majority of the preserved works therefore correspond to this period), but, curiously, the Children (which until now were the second most frequently made and requested piece by clients) move to third place, being surpassed by Saint Anne. The measurements are usually between 35 and 37 centimetres in height in the classic format (with a depth of between 7 and 8 centimetres) and 29 to 30 centimetres in the smallest format (with a depth of between 4 and 7 centimetres). Their appearance is thinner, with facial features that are sometimes already angular (they are still made “chubby” following previous models, but these are more schematic now), and the occasional placement of a cushion under the feet appears. This stage is dated between 1515 and 1535. Compare, for example, a Child from the Musée Louvain-la-Neuve (inv. VH552), or the base or pedestal (similar lines) of that from the Musée du Hôpital Notre-Dame à la Rose (inv. 0108). Above all, one from the Musée voor Religieuze Junst (Inv. 0011) with its cushion-shaped base on an architectural form should be remembered for its elongated shapes, dating from the period of intensification of production. The arrangement of the hair is similar to that from the Musée des Fêtes, dated around 1500, and to that from the Musée Quinta das Cruzes (inventory MQC 2307).

· Size: 11,5x7x33 cms.