Spanish school; 15th century

Spanish school; 15th century.
"Salvator Mundi".
Carved and polychrome wood.
It presents important faults in the carving.
Measurements: 59 x 23 x 15 cm.
In this sculpture carved in wood we are presented with the image of Christ in Majesty. Seated and enthroned, the iconography of the representation corresponds to Christ as "Salvator Mundi", which represents the Christological concept of Jesus Christ, as universal saviour, in relation to his role as judge in the Final Judgement and to his character of Redeemer. It is characterised by Christ raising his right hand in blessing while holding the orb with the other hand, emphasising the universal nature of Christian doctrine. The work, which is only painted frontally, thus indicating that it was conceived to be seen only from the front, presents us with a monumental and resounding Christ, not only in terms of the iconography already mentioned, but also in its forms. Dominated by a certain hieratism due to the seated posture, the artist breaks with the staticism through the play of folds in the lower part of the tunic and especially in the carving of the sleeves, which truthfully portrays the space and volume generated by Christ's clothing. Despite the passage of time, the work has been preserved in an excellent state, so that the details that define the quality of the artist can be appreciated, such as the delicacy of the brooch with which the tunic is joined, or the curls of Jesus' hair and beard.
The 15th century was one of the most glorious for Spanish sculpture, largely due to the economic resources provided by the campaigns of the Catholic Monarchs. This period of administrative strength was matched in the world of the arts in terms of both the quality and abundance of works. Spain continued to be open to outside influences, which, although previously French, now came from Burgundy, whose champion had been the brilliant Claus Sluter, with his undulating, strongly agitated draperies and the penetrating realism of the faces; but from the second third of the century and, above all, in the middle of the century, the predominant style in Spanish sculpture was Flemish, with angular draperies and very attentive observation of the life of the sitter.