Lot n° 137
Estimation :
3000 - 4000
EUR
Saint Andrew embracing his cross in ivory carved in the roun - Lot 137
Saint Andrew embracing his cross in ivory carved in the round.
Based on the sculpture by Camillio Rusconi (1658 - 1728) in the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, Rome.
Italy, Rome, workshop of Camillio Rusconi, first third of the 18th century.
H. 18 cm - Gross weight 166.99 g
On a marble base (restored)
This beautiful ivory sculpture is a repeat of a large monumental statue commissioned for the Lateran Basilica in Rome, depicting the twelve apostles in the nave.
Four of these sculptures were commissioned from Camillio Rusconi. Two terracotta modelos are in the Louvre: one of St. James the Greater (inv n° RF 2448) and one of St. Matthew (inv n° RF 1779). The modelo of Saint André is in the Musée des Beaux Arts de Nîmes (inv n° 994.1.1) (fig). The sculpture of Saint André was delivered in 1708-1709. It was much admired. The Louvre's Department of Graphic Arts holds a red chalk drawing by Edmé Bouchardon from 1723 (inv n° 24233), depicting this beautiful composition of the martyred saint embracing the X-shaped cross. The arms of this cross are represented in our statuette by simple crossed planks, whereas in the marble sculpture they are two tree trunks with their bark.
Rusconi's workshop was able to disseminate the composition of this great Baroque sculpture in the form of an ivory statuette, simplifying the cross but retaining the order of the folds of the loincloth and the intensity of the apostle's gaze.
With CITES certificate N°FR2507508669-K dated 03/07/2025
Expert : BENOIT BERTRAND
My orders
Sale information
Sales conditions
Return to catalogue