ANTEPENDIUM WITH SAINT ANTHONY
polychrome scagliola
This magnificent antependium is a typical example of the art of scagliola developed in Carpi in the early 17th century. An antependium was a decorative covering for the front of the altar. The design is richly worked with natural motifs, including floral elements and gyrals of softly coloured leaves against a black background, framing the central image of Saint Anthony and the Christ Child. The saint is shown kneeling before Jesus, with a book beneath his foot symbolising science, doctrine, preaching and the teachings of Saint Anthony. The antependium is set in a beautiful porphyry frame, highlighting the central scene thanks to the marked colour contrast.
Carpi, 17th century
cm 99x224x6 (cm 74 h with base)
