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Descent from the Cross, 1653. Creator: Adam Lenckhardt (German, 1610-1661)
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Descent from the Cross, 1653. Creator: Adam Lenckhardt (German, 1610-1661)
Descent from the Cross, 1653. The prince of Liechtenstein, Karl Eusebius--one of the preeminent Central European art collectors and patrons of music during the 1600s--commissioned this work. The contract challenged Lenckhardt to carve an eight-figure group out of a single huge African elephant tusk from Eusebiuss own treasury. Because of the tusks hollow interior, the artist plugged the sculpture with an additional piece of ivory at the base, now the skull and bone at the foot of the cross. The story unfolds only by walking around the sculpture, with every viewpoint offering subtle fluctuations of the narrative
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Media ID 19619659
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Descent from the Cross, 1653 - A Masterpiece Carved from Ivory
EDITORS COMMENTS
. This print showcases Adam Lenckhardt's remarkable sculpture, "Descent from the Cross" commissioned by Karl Eusebius, the prince of Liechtenstein in 1653. As one of Central Europe's most prominent art collectors and music patrons during the 17th century, Eusebius sought to challenge Lenckhardt with an extraordinary task – carving an eight-figure group out of a single colossal African elephant tusk. Lenckhardt ingeniously utilized the hollow interior of the tusk to his advantage but faced a unique obstacle at its base. To overcome this hurdle, he skillfully plugged it with an additional piece of ivory that now forms a haunting skull and bone at the foot of the cross. This subtle addition adds depth and symbolism to an already compelling narrative. The true beauty of this masterpiece reveals itself as one walks around it. Each viewpoint offers nuanced fluctuations in storytelling, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in every detail and emotion depicted within this exquisite sculpture. Preserved for centuries, this work stands as a testament to both Lenckhardt's artistic prowess and Eusebius' unwavering dedication to fostering cultural heritage. Now housed within The Cleveland Museum of Art, this exceptional piece continues to captivate audiences worldwide with its intricate craftsmanship and profound storytelling. (Photo credit: Heritage Art/Heritage Images)
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