Pietà or Virgin of Mercy in sculpted linden Germany 16th century

Virgin of Mercy or Pietà in linden sculpted in the round and made in the 16th century in Germany.
This sculpture represents the Mater dolorosa, Virgin mourning the death of her son whom she holds on her knees after the Descent from the Cross. This episode takes place between the Crucifixion and the Entombment. It should not be confused with the Lamentation of Christ where other characters are added, including Saint John and Saint Mary Magdalene.
The group is part of a vertical composition, with the legs of Christ folded almost perpendicular along the dress of the Virgin. This one wears a loose dress and a superposition of veils which fall in cascades of hectic folds to the ground.
The expression on her face is full of sweetness, as she seems to hold her son's right arm with a firm hand.
Christ is wearing long wavy hair. He rests in total and trusting abandon on the knees of the Virgin.
One will notice the dynamics of the important games of drapery of the clothes and the anatomical accentuation of the muscles of the torso of Christ as well as the strong expression of the features of his face.
The iconographic theme of the Pietà appeared in the 14th century in Germanic countries and more specifically within female monasteries where the suffering Christ and his mother, the Virgin of Mercy, are venerated. Thereafter it will spread throughout Europe becoming one of the great subjects of European sculpture of the 15th century and the beginning of the 16th century.

Dimensions
H. 73 cm x W. 38 cm x D. 25 cm

Germany
Basswood
Traces of polychromy
16th century period
A few fingers missing
Old xylophagous traces