Beau Crucifix en corail et nacre Sicile, Trapani, fin XVIIe/ début XVIIIe siècle

le Christ en nacre, apposé sur une croix en cuivre doré et gravé au pointillé, les bras de la croix ornés d'une bordure de filigrane en nacre, ses extrémités pourvu de fleurons en corail et nacre, le pied hexagonal richement décoré de feuillages en nacre et fleurs en corail

RÉFÉRENCES BIBLIOGRAPHIQUES
M. Concetta Di Natale (ed.), Il corallo Trapanese nei secoli XVI e XVII, cat. exp. Brixiantiquaria, Brescia, 2002, nos. 29, 34, pp. 80-1, 90-1; S. Rizzo (ed.), Il tesoro dell' isola. Capolavori siciliani in argento e corallo dal XV al XVIII secolo, cat. exp. Praga, 2004, pp.724-56; Mostra dei Coralli al museo Pepoli di Trapani, cat. exp. museo Pepoli, Trapani, 1986, no. 105, p. 271

Overall the condition of the crucifix is good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. A number of the Mother of Pearl and coral elements are lost, including to the base, and to the top and bottom of the crucifix. Some of the elements are loose. There are a few restorations; including to the figure of Christ (the drapes have been reattached and glue is visible). Christ's proper left foot is lost. A few of the metal strings to the reverse are lost. The crucifix may have been reattached to the base at some point as there are a few solder marks.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The present crucifix is a particularly fine example of the elaborate coral objects produced in the north Sicilian port-city of Trapani during the Baroque period. The combination of coral with mother of pearl and gilt copper is used to similar effect in an ornamental plaque dating to the early 18^th century in a Milanese private collection (Di Natale, op. cit. no. 34, pp. 90-1). Note the similarly conceived fanciful foliate forms carved from Coral and Mother of Pearl. The overall form of the crucifix, with incised decoration on the body of the cross itself, compares closely with another crucifix dating to the second half of the 17th century in the Trionfante collection in Palermo (Di Natale, op. cit. no. 29, pp. 80-1). In this example, white enamel is used instead of Mother of Pearl for the border of the crucifix, further underscoring the intention of the makers to create sumptuous objects using virtuoso techniques and rare materials.

Trapani was the pre-eminent centre for the production of works of art in coral from the 17^th through to the 18^th centuries. Due to its geographical position and rich natural resources, including extensive coral banks, Trapani became one of the principal commercial ports in the Mediterranean. This growth resulted in the expansion of a prosperous merchant class, who, together with the wealthy clergy, contributed to the development of a high level of coral and goldsmith's work. The demand for coral objects is indicated by the establishment of a guild of coral workers, the Arte dei Corallari, in the town in 1628. Coral was considered to be a very precious and rare commodity in the 16^th century, principally due to its rarity and because of the burgeoning interest in the Natural Sciences throughout Europe. The material was esteemed both for its colour, texture and supposed apotropaic qualities, making it particularly suitable for devotional objects, such as the present crucifix.