Head of Christ. Possibly Philippines, 17th century

Head of Christ. Possibly Philippines, XVII century.
Carved ivory.
Accompanied by CITES stating that it was manufactured in France in the 17th century.
Provenance: Collection Musée Van Stolk.
Measurements: 12 x 8 x 5.5 cm.

The head in tender, which stands out for its careful detailing, could have been part of a large Filipino Christ. The work reveals a set of artistic influences that fills it with content. It is a work of art made under the Spanish influence, filtered through America, and carved in the Philippines by both local and Chinese artists settled in the archipelago. The Sangleyes or Chinese of the Philippines, urged by the demand for Christian religious works, attended the Spanish orders having as models sculptures, prints or engravings sent from the metropolis, but without forgetting the features of the oriental anatomy. For this reason, the eyes are slanted, with bulging eyelids made in double flange, configuring a face with protruding cheekbones that departs from the classical ideal of contemporary Europe.