Large 18th Century Italian Antique Carved & Polychrome Corpus Christi, Northern Italy, Veneto or Friuli, circa 1750

A carved and polychrome wooden Corpus Christi of considerable presence and devotional intensity, depicting the figure of Christ with head inclined to the right in a restrained and deeply affecting expression — eyes closed, mouth slightly parted. The hair is arranged in deeply carved striated locks, with a similarly treated beard, both characteristic of Northern Italian and Alpine-influenced parish workshops of the late Baroque period.

The perizoma is tied at the hip in voluminous folds and retains significant traces of original polychromy, including blue-green pigment over a gesso ground. Remnants of tempera decoration are visible throughout the figure, with red pigment carefully applied to mark the wounds — a detail of liturgical precision that points to a serious, purposeful original commission.

The sculpture is carved in sections, with the arms separately carved and inserted into mortise joints at the shoulders — a construction method consistent with 18th-century altar crucifix practice and the practical requirements of installation on large processional or reredos crosses. The rear of the figure is flattened and less finished, confirming its original use mounted against a cross rather than as a freestanding work. The original nail remains on the feet.

Likely created for a parish church or wayside chapel in the Veneto or Friuli, this work represents an authentic and unrestored example of late 18th-century Northern Italian devotional sculpture — objects of this quality, retaining original polychromy in unrestored condition, grow increasingly difficult to find.

Provenance: Northern Italy, Veneto or Friuli. 18th Century.

Material: Most probably Limewood with gesso and polychrome.

Condition: Stable — no active movement or splitting. Arms are detachable. Craquelure, paint loss, and age-related surface wear throughout. Scattered traces of old woodworm — inactive and treated. The sculpture has a great presence.

Dimensions: Height: 95 cm (37.40 in) Width: 70 cm (27.56 in) Depth: 15 cm (5.91 in)