Venice, Italy
14th century
Carved wood, polychrome traces
Height 23 1/2 in (59.7 cm)
Provenance: English trade
This carved wood figure of Satan from Venice is a remarkable and early example of the subject in European sculpture, combining dynamic posture, expressive physiognomy, and the demonic iconographic conventions of the medieval Italian tradition. The figure is shown in vigorous movement with one arm raised, the face rendered with the grotesque but controlled ferocity characteristic of Venetian Gothic carving of the fourteenth century. At 23 1/2 inches this is a substantial work with powerful physical presence.
Figures of Satan in carved wood from the medieval period are among the rarest survivals in European religious sculpture, the subject demanding a level of expressive invention that distinguished the finest carvers from workshop production. Venice in the fourteenth century was one of the most sophisticated artistic centers in Europe, and the quality of this figure reflects that context. The English trade provenance is consistent with the movement of major Italian medieval objects through the London specialist dealer market.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Venice, Italy
14th century
Carved wood, polychrome traces
Height 23 1/2 in (59.7 cm)
Provenance: English trade
This carved wood figure of Satan from Venice is a remarkable and early example of the subject in European sculpture, combining dynamic posture, expressive physiognomy, and the demonic iconographic conventions of the medieval Italian tradition. The figure is shown in vigorous movement with one arm raised, the face rendered with the grotesque but controlled ferocity characteristic of Venetian Gothic carving of the fourteenth century. At 23 1/2 inches this is a substantial work with powerful physical presence.
Figures of Satan in carved wood from the medieval period are among the rarest survivals in European religious sculpture, the subject demanding a level of expressive invention that distinguished the finest carvers from workshop production. Venice in the fourteenth century was one of the most sophisticated artistic centers in Europe, and the quality of this figure reflects that context. The English trade provenance is consistent with the movement of major Italian medieval objects through the London specialist dealer market.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
