Ancient beggar with a bone Christ, late 19th century

Old alms container featuring depictions of Christ crucified. The piece consists of a lower receptacle for donations, equipped with a slot for insertion and a classic opening mechanism providing access to the interior. Above this section appears the word “Alms,” painted on wood.

At the center sits a Christ carved from bone, placed on a background that may have originally been velvet, now deteriorated by the passage of time, though its phylactery shape remains preserved. On either side rise two decorative pillars with cylindrical shafts featuring repetitive geometric carvings, topped with capitals adorned with plant motifs.

The upper section is crowned by a semicircular arch decorated with a succession of carved circular motifs. At the center, a wooden medallion holds the second representation of Christ on the cross, this time in gilded metal. The ensemble features a sober yet ornamental design characteristic of solid wood craftsmanship.

It features an upper perforation that traverses the piece and shows slight imperfections typical of its age and use.

Size: 138 x 50 x 18 cm (approx.)