Dreams Less Sweet Antiques

Description

15th / 16th Century Italian Walnut Panel Carving of Religious Souls in Purgatory.

Rare 15th / 16th Century Italian walnut wood panel with heavily carved deep relief depiction of religious sinners lamenting in the flames of hell - poor souls in purgatory.

An impressive, evocative and powerful religious carving.

Nice rich wooden patina. Good condition for period.

Provenance: private collection London, Doullens (Lot 128, 20-6-99).

In Catholic teaching Purgatory is a condition in which the souls of those who died in God's grace but are "still imperfectly purified" are cleansed "so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven."

H: 50cm x W: 49cm x D: 7cm.