Florentine sculptor, Bust of Christ

Author
Florentine sculptor
Date
1500-1510
Collocation
Sala delle cantorie
Original location
Cathedral
Material
Terracotta, pigments
Technique
Modeling, painting
Dimensions
Height: 43 cm; Width: 42 cm; Depth: 20,5 cm;

Bust of Christ the Redeemer in polychrome terracotta reminiscent of the works of Andrea del Verrocchio executed by a Florentine workshop in the early 16th century. This genre of statue, portraying an intimate Christ, was widespread in Tuscany between the 15th and the 16th centuries. The beard, long curly hair and the blue cloak over a red robe are typical of the Catholic iconographic tradition. What sets this statue apart is the character’s strong sense of introspection. Since the half-length bust excludes his hands and arms, so the focus is all on Christ’s weary expression. His slightly tilted head, lively eyes and half-open mouth suggest that he is conversing with someone, maybe one of the many followers he enthralled mentioned in the Gospel. 

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Sala delle Cantorie