Maria Aus der Kreuzigungsgruppe
Figure
ca. 1756 (made)
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 | |
Title | Maria 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 |
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Marks and inscriptions | The shield of Bavaria (Impressed on the front of the base) |
Gallery label |
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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 created | June 24, 2009 |
Record URL |
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