Italian school; possibly Naples, XVII-XVIII centuries.

Italian school; possibly Naples, XVII-XVIII centuries.
"Infant Jesus".
Carved and polychrome wood.
Presents some polychrome losses.
Measurements: 59 x 28,5 x 16 cm.

Round carving of devotional theme. The Child Jesus, naked and raising his right hand in an attitude that refers distantly to the gesture of blessing (because it is a gesture of spontaneous and natural character), also slightly advances his right leg, giving the anatomical set of a singular verism. It is a magnificently worked carving at the anatomical level, in a fully baroque style, which can be appreciated in the naturalism printed in the gesture and in the anatomical details: the turned legs, the tender morbidity of the flesh, the expressiveness of the face with juicy cheeks and harmonious oval. The little boy looks straight ahead with his large, penetrating and serene eyes. The polychrome contributes to the naturalistic imprint. The emotionality of the face, delicate and at the same time suffering, reflects the awareness of his dramatic destiny. The Child is depicted naked, as she was originally dressed in rich royal robes, made especially for this purpose. The polychrome wood sculpture of Neapolitan origin was highly appreciated during the Baroque period, especially from the second half of the 17th century. It presents remarkable concomitances with the Spanish carving of the same period.