“King Melchior”. Carved, gilded and polychromed... Lot 19

“King Melchior”. Carved, gilded and polychromed wooden sculpture. Castilian School. Circa 1500. From a set of the three wise men, this sculpture portrays King Melchior carrying a carved, gilded and polychromed wooden pyx styled as a golden gothic chalice with cabochons. He is depicted in the moment of giving his offering, slightly bowing his head, holding his left hand to his chest in an attitude of respect. Dressed in the rich clothing that one would expect of a King, he wears a tunic in green and gold tones and a marvellous red cape with gold braid, decorated with flowers and with the interior polychromed in white to look like ermine. His head is covered with an elaborate headdress from which two long tapes fall. 66 x 30 x 25 cm.