Tall 18th C. Mexican Wood Corbel - Bird of Prey

About Auction

Live

Summer Art Auction | Fine | Folk | Fun

By Artemis Gallery

Sep 2, 2021

Set Reminder 2021-09-02 12:00:00 2021-09-02 12:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Summer Art Auction | Fine | Folk | Fun https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/summer-art-auction-fine-folk-fun-7395
Featuring visual treats from around the world, and back in time to present day - fine art, folk art, and fun artsy objects. Paintings. Sculptures. Textiles. More. Convenient in-house shipping. Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com

View Full Catalog (163)

• Lot Description
  Latin America, Mexico, ca. 18th century CE. Painstakingly carved from a single piece of wood, a corbel depicting a large bird of prey, perhaps an eagle in reference to Saint John the Evangelist. The eagle is perched amidst a mesmerizing program of intricately arranged scrolled floral or foliage elements. John is symbolized by an eagle, because this magnificent bird could soar into the heavenly realm and his Gospel began as follows, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God"- a sentence that most definitely connotes the heavens. Imagery of the four Evangelists' symbols have graced many cathedrals, the first instances in the mosaic of Sta. Pudenziana, Rome, ca. 400 CE and the wooden doors of Santa Sabina, Rome, ca. 430 CE. Size: 25.5" H (64.8 cm)
  
  Also known as John the Theologian for his ability to channel divine wisdom, Saint John wrote the fourth Gospel (the Book of Revelation), while living in a cave on the isle of Patmos, exiled by Emperor Trajan. There he dictated a dramatic vision of the Apocalypse to the deacon Prochorus, his disciple and steadfast companion. John also wrote the “Gospel of Love” or the “flower of the Gospel” as Origen calls it – in addition to three of the Catholic Epistles. In the words of Patriarch Athenagoras, “John is the source of our loftiest spirituality. Like him, those who are silent know the mysterious confusion that can assail the heart; invoking the presence of John, their hearts catch fire.” John’s symbol is the eagle, chosen for the “sublime manner in which he described the godliness of the Word” according to Christian iconography expert Alfredo Tradigo, who writes, “of all the evangelists, he flew the highest.” (Tradigo, "Icons and Saints of the Eastern Orthodox Church" Getty Museum, 2006, p. 262)
  
  Provenance: private Omer Claiborne collection, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA; acquired over the last 40 years
  
  All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
  
  A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
  
  PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
  
  Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
  
  #129217

  Condition

  Expected age cracks and surface wear commensurate with age. Metal ring inserted with Claiborne gallery label suspended.
• Shipping Info

  • All shipping is handled in-house for your convenience. Your invoice from Artemis Gallery will include shipping calculation instructions. If in doubt, please inquire BEFORE bidding for estimated shipping costs for individual items.

• Buyer's Premium
  • 26.50 %