11 - Italian School; 17th century.

Italian School; 17th century. “Salvator Mundi.” Carved and polychrome wood. Measurements: 165 x 71 x 55 cm. This sculpture depicts Christ as Salvator Mundi, an image of profound theological significance that portrays him as the redeemer and universal sovereign. He is shown standing, holding the globe in one hand while pointing to its surface—a gesture that underscores his dominion over creation and his status as lord of the world. The piece is an interesting example of the Italian Baroque sculptural tradition, a period in which religious imagery achieved remarkable expressive richness and a special focus on anatomical detail, drapery, and the psychological characterization of the figures. Particularly noteworthy is the elegance of the clothing, featuring a green tunic with deep folds and a wide, pinkish-toned cloak that creates an attractive chromatic contrast. Polychromy plays an essential role in the conception of the work, not only as an ornamental device but also as a means of intensifying its naturalism and enriching the perception of volume. The 17th-century Italian school of sculpture experienced one of the most splendid periods in its history, marked by the development of the Baroque and by the profound transformation of the arts driven by the Counter-Reformation. In this context, sculpture took on a fundamental role as an instrument of religious persuasion and emotional communication, seeking to move the viewer through naturalism, movement, and expressive intensity. Rome established itself as the leading artistic center, thanks to papal patronage and that of the great aristocratic families, with figures such as Gian Lorenzo Bernini, whose work defined much of the Baroque sculptural language. At the same time, other centers such as Naples, Florence, Genoa, and Sicily developed significant regional traditions, characterized by varying degrees of theatricality, ornamental richness, and narrative sensibility. Alongside marble sculpture, polychrome wood carving became widely popular, especially in religious imagery, allowing for highly naturalistic representations such as this one.