- Kniender (Ungläubiger Thomas)
auction 402, Lot 132
AUTUMN AUCTION
on 22 September 2021
Kniender (Ungläubiger Thomas)
Differenzbesteuerung
Man kneeling (The Doubting Thomas)
Francesco Mochi (1580 Montevarchi - 1654 Rome), Rome, circa 1640
Bronze, gilt. Mounted on wooden base. H. 14 cm.
"Cire perdu" cast in original condition and very fine surface treatment.
"The omni-directional rendering of the figure, i.e. the validity of its composition from all view-points, and the fact that it maintains an exquisite balance despite the powerful spiralling movement of the garments and the frontal direction of gaze and gesture, compel us to acknowledge this bronze as a self-contained and complete conception. However, contrary to this impression, this bronze was most likely once part of a two-figure group, and as such associated with a statuette representing the resurrected Christ. The dramatic attitude of the young man should in that case be interpreted as that of the Apostle Thomas in the act of touching the wound at the side of Christ" (Auersperg page 1).
Provenance: private collection, London.
Literature: Auersperg, Johannes, A Wonder-Struck Young Man. The Doubting Thomas, in: exhibition catalogue European Sculpture. Daniel Katz Ltd. New York, 6 May 1996 - 17 June 1996, pages 1-10.
