Carving ‘Cap i pota’ 16th century

Antique wood carving ‘Cap i pota’ of a Virgin in polychrome wood from the 16th century.

This exquisite wood carving ‘Cap i pota’ represents a 16th century Virgin, a marvellous example of the master craftsmanship of the period. The piece is made of polychrome wood and has articulated arms, allowing a precise adjustment for different arrangements of her clothing.

One of the most remarkable features of this carving is the restoration in certain areas, masterfully carried out to preserve the essence and original character of the work. Each restored detail harmonises perfectly with the intact elements, preserving the historical authenticity of the piece.

The set includes the clothing used at the beginning of the last century to enhance the figure of the Virgin: a delicate skirt, sleeves and a cape, textile pieces that add an extra touch of history and tradition to this unique work.

It is a jewel of sacred art, a unique and exceptional piece.

Cap i pota’ literally means: sculpture with head and feet.

Broadly speaking, these are carved and polychromed wooden images, in which only the visible parts are carved, i.e. the head and the extremities (hands and legs).  The body is slightly insinuated into the wood and the image’s own clothing is placed on the frame.

Although the name is used for all these carvings with the characteristic of not being worked on the part that is hidden under the clothing, the Catalan ‘Cap i Pota’ sculptures are very different from the dressed sculptures of other regions known as ‘de candelero’, which only have a bust and wooden strips on the lower part. The Catalan ones, unlike the latter, have a rough-hewn body and carved feet.

This type of carving is part of popular religious imagery.  They were mainly used in private homes and private oratories as a ritual of devotion, in urban and rural areas, and are, in short, a living reminder of the culture and traditions that marked an era.

Sizes: Height 140cms x Width 60cms x Depth 47cms

Origin: Spain

Price: Please inquire at barbara@decoforcurious.com