Christ Child, Martin Zürn, Germany, probably Lake Constance (Bodensee),c. 1630
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Martin Zürn
Christ Child

Limewood, with original polychrome
Germany, probably Lake Constance (Bodensee),
c. 1630
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Dimensions

Height
30 cm; 1 ft.

Provenance

Private collection, Southern Germany

Related literature

R. Guby, Die Bildhauer Martin und Michael Zürn: Ein Beitrag zur Geschichte der deutschen Plastik des siebzehnten Jahrhunderts, Band 2, Veröffentlichungen des Instituts für Ostbairische Heimatforschung (Kommissionsverlag Erwin Skacel, Passau, 1927)
H. Möhle, ‘Die Bildhauerfamilie Zürn. II. Martin und Michael Zürn. Michael Zürn d. J.’, Band 53 (Jahrbuch der Preußischen Kunstsammlungen, 1932), pp. 19–37
C. Zoege von Manteuffel, Die Bildhauerfamilie Zürn. 1606–1666, Bands 1 and 2 (Anton H. Konrad Verlag, Weißenhorn, 1969)
Die Bildhauerfamilie Zürn 1585 – 1724: Schwaben / Bayern / Mähren / Österreich, exhibition catalogue (Landes Oberösterreich, Braunau am Inn, 27 April –...

This small exquisitely carved Christ Child sits upright, with flat chest and retracted concave abdomen, his torso tilted forward, his legs crossed, the soles of his feet visible. He holds his left hand at shoulder height, his right hand outstretched to the viewer, elongated fingers spread. His endearing, slightly mischievous, face is characterised by a longish nose, small mouth, slight smile and spherical chin. Thick wavy ‘doughy‘ curls of hair crown his head.

Expertly crafted on all sides, reflective of masterly attention to detail, this exceptional sculpture can be identified with confidence as a significant, hitherto...