A large 16th century Spanish carved wood polychrome and parcel gilt figural reliquary bust of a saint. Carved from a huge piece of what appears to be walnut, with some lamination, applied with gesso, gauze and then with a polychrome and gilded surface. The unknown saint in an upright position with a bible or prayerbook tucked under her right arm. Her hair parted, and tied up with a scarf but with a little trailing over her shoulder. This early wood carving is in a wonderfully untouched state, retaining nearly all of its original decoration with wonderful gilded and painted highlights especially visible in the back of the robes.

Provenance: Private collection Western Australia, German noble family. 

SOLD