17th Century Italian Giltwood Altarpiece Sculpture Hand Carved in High Relief

This antique 17th century Louis XIV period Italian architectural altarpiece fragment is made of a masterfully sculpted rectangular solid wood panel, entirely gilded with gold leaves, centered by a gilt and lacquer religious nativity scene framed by architectural details. This religious artwork is an absolutely stunning late 1600 original masterpiece, probably part of a tabernacle, a liturgical furnishing used to house the Eucharist. It is constructed of hand carved wood on both sides of the panel four columns with Corinthian capitals sculpted in the round are the architectural element that ideally contains the gilded and lacquered high relief with a beautiful nativity scene. The hand carved crib scene with Baby Jesus, cherubs and many other characters is enclosed in a molded oval frame embellished with floral carvings. The foliate and natural patterns are also repeated on both sides and on the lower central part of the altarpiece. The elaborate and perfectly carved polychrome and gilt ornamentation show the highest level of workmanship and overall quality of this altar is unsurpassed. This unique and original masterpiece tabernacle is a great piece to display in your collection, it could be now used as an headboard, a one of a kind over door frieze or as a sculpture to decorate the wall in the most charming way. The condition of this work, which is more than 400 years old, is incredibly good. Structurally perfect, some slight touches to the gilding as can be expected from such an ancient object but still with original patina and very warm gold coloring. Measures: H. 80, W. 62, D. 11 cm