Ivory Corpus Christi - Italy or France, 17th-18th centuries

carved in the round and composed of four joined parts: the body of Christ, which follows the curvature of the tusk, the arms, and the drapery of the loincloth.
Separately, there is a cartouche with the Titulus crucis INRI (Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudeorum, which literally translates to ‘Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews’), the title imposed on Christ according to Gospel tradition, and a Vanitas represented by the symbol of a skull and crossed shinbones, the symbol of death since 1500. Six truncated pyramid-shaped nails are inserted into the hands in the separately nailed feet, the cartouche and the Vanitas.
The work is of remarkable technical and conceptual quality, a fact clearly evident even in the details, indicating a high cultural level on the part of both the artist and the patron.
The rectangular cartouche, with all four edges folded to resemble a scroll, is engraved with the letters IN / RI, while the skull and crossed tibias are anatomically detailed and carefully finished, as is the figure of Christ.
The body of Jesus is taut in the drama of sacrifice, with the muscles of his torso and limbs sculpted with precision. The nailed hands convey a sense of pain and resignation, while the head falls back on the right side with the open mouth and the open, suffering eyes turned to heaven, evoking the last breath and sealing a moment of intense spirituality.
The soft, curly hair and beard fall to the shoulders, framing the face.
The torso sculpted with dynamic tension clearly shows the contracted abdominal muscles, while the muscular legs show the figure's tension, leading the eye to the feet contracted downwards and nailed separately, reinforcing the idea of the torment suffered, where the tendons are clearly evident.
The loincloth is supported by a double cord visible on the right side, sculpted with a refined play of flowing, draped folds, knotted on the right side from which a large, drooping drape emerges.
The crucifix is placed on a wooden cross and is set within a gilded frame, thus enhancing the devotional and artistic value of the work.
In the background, a rich red velvet contrasts with the figure of Christ on the cross.

This lot, accompanied by a CITES certificate and expertise issued by Ce.S.Ar Centro studi archeometici, is only available for sale with shipments within the European Union. (expertise Ce.S.Ar. 2025-038)


Item condition grading: **** good.
The lot is in a good state of preservation with the normal wear and defects commensurate with its age and use over time.