An 18th-century carved and polychrome olive wood bust of Christ, likely Italian and possibly Sicilian. Finely modelled with traces of original paint, this devotional head retains a moving sense of presence. With age-related wear, cut marks and historic worming, it stands as an evocative survivor of early religious craftsmanship.Why We Love This … There is a quiet, contemplative power to this small devotional bust. Carved from olive wood - a material long associated with sacred objects - the sculptor has captured a gentle, introspective expression that feels deeply human. The surviving polychromy softens the features, while the age-related wear only enhances its authenticity.Pieces like this were never made to impress; they were made to comfort, to accompany prayer, to be held close. That intimacy still radiates from the carving today.At a Glance – Appeal, Desirability & Collectibility• Date: 18th Century• Origin: Italy, possibly Sicily• Materials: Carved olive w...