figurine

Object NameFigurine of Saint Christopher

Made FromGlass, Iron Wire

Date1700-1799

Place MadeFrance, probably Nevers

Techniquelampwork

SizeOverall H: 6.5 cm

Accession Number57.3.39

Curatorial Area(s)

Early Modern

Exhibitions

The Magic of the Lamp: Flameworked Objects from the Permanent Collection

On ViewThe Jerome and Lucille Strauss Study Gallery

Physical DescriptionThe lampworked figurine depicts the bearded Saint Christopher standing frontally and holding the Christ child. The figurine is built up on a wire armature. He is wearing a robe of translucent blue glass with a transparent brown border around the hem and collar, and a belt tied high in front of his chest. A turquoise shawl with yellow edging drapes drops low in front from shoulder to shoulder and its ends extend half-way down his back. He is holding the naked Christ child on his left arm and a brown walking stick in his right hand. The child's body is lampworked of opaque white glass, with curly light brown hair of transparent glass and translucent pink dots on his cheeks. The facial features are roughly sketched with dark brown dots and lines for eyes, mouth, and eyebrows. His right arm is resting on Saint Christopher's shoulder. The Saint is mounted on a slightly domed circular base built up of a spiral coil of transparent green glass with applied green squiggles on top indicating grass. An opaque white undulating band highlights the edge of the base.
Provenance

Former Collection Amy Pleadwell - 1957