Maria Aus der Kreuzigungsgruppe thumbnail 1
Maria Aus der Kreuzigungsgruppe thumbnail 2
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images
On display
Image of Gallery in South Kensington

Maria Aus der Kreuzigungsgruppe

Figure
ca. 1756 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This anguished expressive figure of Mary was made for a crucifixion group for domestic use. The modeller Bustelli created the figure of Christ in 1755, and then modelled figures of Mary and St John in the following year. Two versions of the group survive intact. They comprise Christ on the cross, with separately modelled skull with crossed bones, flanked by Mary on the left and St. John on the right; Mary's coat swings out diagonally as she looks up at the still living Christ, shown after he had overcome his bodily pains. Her gesture is paralleled by the outstretched arm of St John, creating a strong dramatically triangular composition. Bustelli's angular treatment of the drapery on these two figures reflects his training as a wood carver. One of these crucifixion groups is built into a house altar of bureau-type construction, the upper part of which has two hinged doors that open to reveal the three figures supported on gilt rococo scrolls. In both these and other versions, the figure of Christ is mounted on a wooden cross with the skull at the base.

Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleMaria Aus der Kreuzigungsgruppe
Materials and techniques
Hard-paste porcelain
Brief description
Figure of the Virgin Mary from a Crucifixion group in white hard-paste porcelain, modelled by F.A. Bustelli, Nymphenburg porcelain factory, Nymphenburg, ca. 1756.
Physical description
Figure of the Virgin Mary from a Crucifixion group in white hard-paste porcelain. She stands on a low square base with her hands clasped.
Dimensions
  • Height: 29.8cm
Marks and inscriptions
The shield of Bavaria (Impressed on the front of the base)
Gallery label
(09/12/2015)
The Virgin Mary, from a Crucifixion group
About 1756

European porcelain factories were founded by royalty and nobility, partly as status symbols. The Nymphenburg works was established by the Duke of Bavaria. The factory is best known for the highly expressive and contorted figures created by Franz Anton Bustelli, who modelled this piece. Bustelli’s figures were intended for display on dinner tables during the dessert course, and on domestic altars.

Germany (Munich)
Made at the Nymphenburg factory
Modelled by Franz Anton Bustelli
Porcelain
Purchased with funds from the Captain H.B. Murray Bequest
Credit line
Purchased with funds from the Capt. H.B. Murray Bequest
Production
Model introduced in 1756
Subjects depicted
Summary
This anguished expressive figure of Mary was made for a crucifixion group for domestic use. The modeller Bustelli created the figure of Christ in 1755, and then modelled figures of Mary and St John in the following year. Two versions of the group survive intact. They comprise Christ on the cross, with separately modelled skull with crossed bones, flanked by Mary on the left and St. John on the right; Mary's coat swings out diagonally as she looks up at the still living Christ, shown after he had overcome his bodily pains. Her gesture is paralleled by the outstretched arm of St John, creating a strong dramatically triangular composition. Bustelli's angular treatment of the drapery on these two figures reflects his training as a wood carver. One of these crucifixion groups is built into a house altar of bureau-type construction, the upper part of which has two hinged doors that open to reveal the three figures supported on gilt rococo scrolls. In both these and other versions, the figure of Christ is mounted on a wooden cross with the skull at the base.

Collection
Accession number
C.122-1937

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
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