17th Century Boxwood Corpus of Christ

A finely carved boxwood figure of Christ on the Cross, showing remarkable anatomical detail and expressive modelling. The elongated body is rendered with taut musculature, prominent ribcage, and naturalistic limbs. The head is inclined to the right, crowned with thorns, the face serene yet marked by suffering.
Such corpora were central to private devotion in the early 17th century, reflecting the influence of the Counter-Reformation on sculptural style: vivid realism combined with devotional intensity. Boxwood, with its fine grain and smooth finish, was particularly prized for such works.
Mounted on an early velvet-covered board, this corpus was likely conceived for domestic contemplation or as part of a small oratory.