diorama

Object NameGrotto of the Last Supper with 3 separate Figures

Made FromGlass, Wood, Cardboard, Paper, Stones, Textiles

Date1700-1799

Place MadeFrance, probably Nevers

SizeGrotto H: 28 cm; Figurine (avg) H: 3.8 cm

Accession Number55.3.145

Credit LineGift of The Art Institute of Chicago

Curatorial Area(s)

Early Modern

On ViewEuropean Gallery

Physical DescriptionGrotto made of wood, cardboard, paper, stones, textiles, etc., having little bunches of leaves with buds of red glass; in the center there is a table with a bench in the back on which sit 10 figures while one is kneeling; one figurine is on the lower left level (Christ and 11 apostles, one is missing); the figurines are all bearded except for Christ and St. John (kneeling); they are clad in white robes and have yellow, orange, green, blue and turquoise scarves; on the table there is a little white pitcher; behind the bench there is a mirror, above the table is a lamp; on the other side of the grotto behind the mirror stands Christ with bound hands, crown of thorns and clad in a pink coat ("Ecce Homo"), flanked by Pilatus (white glass painted brown) and a kneeling figure holding a branch; on the lower level there is Judas in white, with a green scarf and holding a yellow bag, to his right are a kneeling soldier with a yellow helmet and a bearded man (an apostle ?).
Provenance

Former Collection Art Institute of Chicago - 1955