Bidspirit auction | Pope Alexander VI (Borgia). Spanish

Pope Alexander VI (Borgia). Spanish School. 17th Century - Carved and polychromed wood. Dimensions 68 x 18 cm. Full-round sculpture in carved and polychromed wood representing Pope Alexander VI (Rodrigo de Borja), crafted in the Spanish School of the 17th Century. The pontiff is depicted standing, dressed in an alb, vertically pleated pluvial cope, and a tall mitre with geometric decoration, in a gesture of blessing. The face, solemn and subtly naturalistic, features a trimmed beard and finely modelled features, characteristic of devotional Baroque portraiture. The piece retains traces of its original polychromy in red, black and gold, with a deep patina and craquelure that attest to its age and authenticity. This iconography is exceptionally rare in the Spanish context, where specific historical popes were seldom portrayed, adding unique historical and collector’s value to the work. The sculpture, of restrained and dignified craftsmanship, stands out as a singular example within 17th-century Spanish sacred art.