JOSÉ ESTEVE BONET

(1741 / 1802)

JOSE ESTEVE BONET Valencia (1741 / 1802) "Virgin of Carmen"

Carved, polychrome and gilded wood. Embroidered silk fabrics, gold, silver and gems. Jose Esteve Bonet was one of the most relevant figures of 18th century Valencian sculpture. Director since 1776 of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Carlos, he made several trips to the Court and was named honorary chamber sculptor of Charles IV. The dress image shown here presents a series of formal characteristics in the physiognomy of the figures' faces, the volumes of the anatomy and the modeling of the hair that allow them to be attributed to the Valencian sculptor. Thanks to his Book of Truth we know that he made several dress images of the Virgin of Carmen. One of them, delivered on July 8, 1768 to a woman dedicated to the sale of coal who lived on San Vicente Street in Valencia, coincides in its measurements with the one shown here. According to the document, it measured four hands in height, measurements almost identical to those of this piece. Typologically, it presents numerous technical and formal parallels with a missing work, known thanks to some photographs, which belongs to its first period: the Virgin of Carmen in dress from the main altarpiece of the Carmelitas de Caudete convent. Made in 1763, both pieces show a serene and sweet Marian model, with a certain classicist air, with almond-shaped eyes, thin eyebrows and a soft chin. The Child is practically identical in his features, the modeling of his hair and the crossed position of his legs. This work, unlike that of Caudete, presents a rich base with polychrome decoration that imitates marble and a golden laurel band. The wooden structure of the dress image rests on the traditional silver cloud cluster, typical in the sculptor's production, in which four angels of great expressiveness appear fluttering; presenting, some of them, faults and deteriorations. The dress, a Valencian spur from the 18th century, is richly made with natural silk and metal (gold and silver), featuring rich embroidery, an elegant and discreet decoration of floral motifs on the Virgin's tunic and geometric elements on the mantle or layer. On the scapular of the habit there is a ribbon jewel, decoration and a cross of freshwater pearls topped by a crown. The decoration is completed with different rings, earrings, a diadem that acts as a rostrum on the forehead and the crown made of silver. Both the Child and the Virgin wear devotional scapulars that combine their own anagrams with the Barefoot Carmen shield. Measurements: 86 cm. (100 cm. with crown)