23 - King Melchior, European religious sculpture, 17th century

King Melchior, European religious sculpture, 17th century Carved and polychromed wood. Measures 31 cm in height. Statuette representing the Wise Man Melchior, depicted standing in a slightly contrapposto pose, with his head inclined and his face animated by a sweet and meditative expression. He is dressed in a rich cloak with deep folds enhanced by warm polychromy dominated by reds and golds. The modeling of the face, the flowing hair, and the rhythmic treatment of the drapery demonstrate careful execution despite the loss of the arms, which are now missing. The sculpture is linked to the tradition of 17th-century European religious imagery, where moderate naturalism, expressive vivacity, and devotional function lend the figure a marked spiritual presence.