This figure shows Christ as the Good Shepherd, symbolising his care for and guidance of his flock. It belongs to a small group of rock crystal figures of the Christ Child produced in Goa and Ceylon (present-day Sri Lanka). This Christian theme was introduced there by missionaries who accompanied Portuguese traders.

Works of art in rock crystal were desirable collectors' items in Renaissance Kunstkammern - princely treasury collections which Sir Richard Wallace aspired to evoke. He bought the statuette in 1876 and kept it in the Boudoir together with jewels and other precious small pieces.

Read more about this object on our search the collection pages.