Head of Christ
- Artist Culture
- French or Flemish
- Date
- 1500–50
- Material
- Alabaster
- possibly made in
- Belgium, Europe
France, Europe - Classification
- Sculpture, stone & mineral
- Current Location
- On View, Gallery 222
- Dimensions
- 9 5/8 x 11 1/4 x 4 7/8 in. (24.4 x 28.6 x 12.4 cm)
- Credit Line
- Friends Endowment Fund
- Rights
- Contact Us
- Object Number
- 73:1970
NOTES
Crowned with thorns and wearing a cape held by a crude length of rope, Christ’s downward gaze and partially opened lips are intended to help us understand the suffering that he endured. Sermons in the 15th and 16th century encouraged believers to identify with the physical suffering of Jesus, and this sculpture was created to aid in such exercises of tactile empathy.
Provenance
Private Collection, France [1]
- 1970
Wildenstein & Co., New York, NY, USA
1970 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, purchased from Wildenstein & Co.[2]
Notes:
[1] According to the invoice from Wildenstein & Co., Inc. dated August 24, 1970, the object was in a private collection [SLAM document files].
[2] See note [1]. Minutes of the of the Acquisitions Committee of the Board of Trustees, City Art Museum, June 25, 1970.
- 1970
Wildenstein & Co., New York, NY, USA
1970 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, purchased from Wildenstein & Co.[2]
Notes:
[1] According to the invoice from Wildenstein & Co., Inc. dated August 24, 1970, the object was in a private collection [SLAM document files].
[2] See note [1]. Minutes of the of the Acquisitions Committee of the Board of Trustees, City Art Museum, June 25, 1970.