Stunning Late 17th/Early 18th Century HEAVY Hand Formed Bronze Corpus Christi For Sale

Intro/Background:

This is a stunning antique corpus of solid patina bronze that was created between the late 17th/early 18th century. This piece was created using the lost-wax process, a method of metal casting in which a molten metal is poured into a mold that has been created by means of a wax model. Once the mold is made, the wax model is melted and drained away.

This piece was purchased from “HeavenSent,” a religious goods antique gallery operating out of Santa Fe, New Mexico in the early to mid ‘70s. The piece was purchased as a lone corpus, and while my wife and I have often thought about pairing this corpus with a cross - ultimately we decided that doing so would detract from the raw splendor of this piece.

I’ve been collecting depictions of Christ for going on 50 years (I am 79 turning 80 shortly) yet I have to say that this is a piece particularly close to the heart. Ultimately, it is the natural aging of the ages old bronze, and masterful craftsmanship that makes this corpus perhaps the most stunning of my vast collection.

The Piece Itself:

The gallery we purchased this piece from fittingly titled the corpus “Christ Endures.” That is - exactly - what I find so beautiful about this age old work of religious art. Rather than the monotone, gleaming depictions of Christ that dominate the market today, this piece is highly varied in aesthetic. Dark patina has filled in the folds of Christ’ hair, His facial features, musculature, and even the wound at His side. This is a Christ that has “weathered the storm,” a depiction that has defied the odds - remaining strong and composed despite the many, many years that have passed since its creation. While it is indeed the patina that makes this piece so mystifyingly unique - one cannot “gloss over” the mastery that went into Christ’ chosen form.

Look for a moment at the face - the minute attention to detail present there. Note how each and every hair of the beard is distinct…the eyes closed and shrouded in aged bronze patina. Even the ears are visible, thick bronze hair pushed back and held in place by those detailed ears. This corpus is quite skinny, bordering on emaciated. The thin body of Christ, covered in natural bronze patina, almost looks “battered,” the patina taking on the form of scuffs, scraped, and bruises on Christ’ body. Anatomically, this is a very unique depiction of Christ - an almost “Dali-esque” artistic rendition of the human form.

Note that this piece has never been polished. To do so would, in effect, be “wiping away” this piece’s character, originality, and natural beauty.

This corpus is 4 inches tall. The width across the arms is 3 inches. This piece comes in at 78 GRAMS, making this quite the substantial, heavy gauge bronze ensemble.

Parting Note:

Overall, this is a lovely piece… one that will endure for ages to come. Though I never imagined I would part with this antique relic, I’m an old man… and I know it. The time has come to start thinking about where my beloved treasures will end up after I leave this earth. The hope? That whoever this piece goes off to will continue to love and care for this piece in the way that I have for so many years… long after I am gone, I’d like to think a bit of me will live on through this spectacular depiction of Christ. I’ve held this cross in hand many times as I’ve uttered many prayers…. yes, this is indeed a work of art - but it is more than that. Holding this piece in hand? Gazing on the age old face of Christ? Well… there’s a certain “nearness” to Him that one feels.

~ if you have any further questions, or would like to see any additional photos, please do not hesitate to reach out in the form of an email. I will get back to you promptly. Will ship overseas, but not responsible for any custom fees incurred.