Italian Carved Wood Monk's Head

Red curls around a shaved crown. Somebody painted a monk with some vanity left.

This carved wood monk's head comes from Italy and dates to the 18th century, in painted wood. Heads like this one were often part of larger devotional figures, made so that churches and the faithful could see their saints and clergy in something close to life. The hair is carved in thick scrolling locks, still red, below a pale tonsure crazed with cracks. Long splits run down the white painted face. Heavy lids, dark brows and a small closed mouth keep the expression quiet. A section of red collar remains at the base. It stands 9.5 inches high.

He keeps his eyes down. It was part of the job.