Head of the Virgin, central Italy 16th century

This is a head of polychrome wood Virgin produced during the 16th century Italian. It is made of poplar wood, indicating production in central Italy. This head was probably part of a full-length sculpture representing the Virgin. The polychromy is well preserved and shows the subtlety of this work, while sublimating the model. The polychromy process is often based on a lead white base to which the pigment is applied. Here we can see the use of pink tones for the skin, obtained by white lead and grains of vermilion. Its tones are subtly degraded by bluish touches at the ends of the face. This touches on an important element: the will is to create an impression of a natural flesh, it is necessary to give humanity and earthly proximity to this Virgin sculpted figure! Polychromy is put at the service of religious intentions in this period.

Split head at the back.

Height without base: 30 cm
Height with base: 47 cm