The Passion of the Infant Christ
Object: The Passion of the Infant Christ
Museum object
- Artist | Manufacturer:
- Pedro de Mena (1628-1688) | Sculptor
- Title:
- The Passion of the Infant Christ
- Inventory Number:
- 2016-D013/001
- Collection:
- Old Masters
- Domain:
- Sculpture
- Period | Style | Movement:
- Baroque
- Material | Technique:
- Wood, polychromy, parcel-gilt, glass
- Measurements:
- 93 x 49 x 31 cm
- Credit:
- Private collection
- Location:
- MNHA | Main building | 2nd floor | Kutter Rooms | Small Kutter Room
- Description:
-
The sculpture of the Infant Christ dates from the same period as that of the Infant Saint John the Baptist, also by De Mena. There are plenty of similarities, in terms of content and style. Christ stands self-confidently on an ornamental cushion, like a solitary hero, his hands raised to heaven. John the Baptist looked just as confident on his base. Much like John’s posture seemed to predict Christ’s future passion, the power that emanates from the Infant Christ reveals that he is keenly aware of the fate and suffering that await him.
The sculpture is produced in minute detail. The finish of the face, hands and feet required an inordinate amount of precision work. Francisco Pacheco (1564-1644) described two methods for achieving the right skin tone: “encarnaciones de polimento” (glossy skin tones) and “encarnaciones mates” (matte skin tones). The glass eyes and tears show how Jesus, who is possibly in a trance, stops all movement, whether his own or that of the people around him. The spectator finds himself in a privileged position, assisting in this celestial event. The small, tender-aged Christ Child is profoundly moving.
Sibylla Goegebuer
- Copyright:
-
Work: Public domain
Image(s): In Copyright
Metadata: CC0
- Photographer:
- Dominique Provost | © Dominique Provost Art Photography
Object: The Passion of the Infant Christ
Museum object
- Artist | Manufacturer:
- Pedro de Mena (1628-1688) | Sculptor
- Title:
- The Passion of the Infant Christ
- Inventory Number:
- 2016-D013/001
- Collection:
- Old Masters
- Domain:
- Sculpture
- Period | Style | Movement:
- Baroque
- Material | Technique:
- Wood, polychromy, parcel-gilt, glass
- Measurements:
- 93 x 49 x 31 cm
- Credit:
- Private collection
- Location:
- MNHA | Main building | 2nd floor | Kutter Rooms | Small Kutter Room
- Description:
-
The sculpture of the Infant Christ dates from the same period as that of the Infant Saint John the Baptist, also by De Mena. There are plenty of similarities, in terms of content and style. Christ stands self-confidently on an ornamental cushion, like a solitary hero, his hands raised to heaven. John the Baptist looked just as confident on his base. Much like John’s posture seemed to predict Christ’s future passion, the power that emanates from the Infant Christ reveals that he is keenly aware of the fate and suffering that await him.
The sculpture is produced in minute detail. The finish of the face, hands and feet required an inordinate amount of precision work. Francisco Pacheco (1564-1644) described two methods for achieving the right skin tone: “encarnaciones de polimento” (glossy skin tones) and “encarnaciones mates” (matte skin tones). The glass eyes and tears show how Jesus, who is possibly in a trance, stops all movement, whether his own or that of the people around him. The spectator finds himself in a privileged position, assisting in this celestial event. The small, tender-aged Christ Child is profoundly moving.
Sibylla Goegebuer
- Copyright:
-
Work: Public domain
Image(s): In Copyright
Metadata: CC0
- Photographer:
- Dominique Provost | © Dominique Provost Art Photography