Head of Christ (Cascalls)

The "Head of Christ (Cascalls)" refers to a fragment of a larger sculptural ensemble attributed to the workshop of Master Bartomeu de Robió (also known as Master of Cascalls) dating from the mid-14th century. It is specifically identified as the head of Christ from a depiction of the Descent from the Cross (also known as a Deposition).

The work originates from the Royal Pantheon of the Monastery of Poblet in Catalonia, Spain. Master Bartomeu de Robió, a prominent Catalan sculptor, led a workshop responsible for significant sculptural commissions at Poblet during this period. The Descent from the Cross was originally part of a larger, multi-figure composition intended for the Royal Pantheon, a burial site for the kings of Aragon. This ensemble was damaged and dispersed over time.

The "Head of Christ (Cascalls)" is characterized by its realistic and expressive portrayal of Christ’s suffering. The facial features, including the eyes, mouth, and depiction of pain, are hallmarks of the Master of Cascalls' style. The sculpture, originally likely polychromed (painted), demonstrates the artistic skills of the workshop in rendering human emotion and anatomical detail within a religious context. The surviving fragment provides valuable insight into Catalan Gothic sculpture and the patronage of royal institutions. Individual fragments, including the "Head of Christ (Cascalls)", are now held in various museum collections.