Rare 18th C Wooden Statue of St. John the Baptist

About the Item

This exceptionally life-like antique sculpture is carved from linden wood and once decorated a French church or cathedral. The figure stands authoritatively, with right arm raised and index finger extended toward heaven. It probably stood on a base in a side chapel. According to Christian iconography of the period, this gesture signifies that salvation comes only through baptism. The figure wears a girdle of animal fir, probably from a bear, making symbolic reference to St. John the Baptist's life in the wilderness of Judea, between Jerusalem and the Dead Sea. The elegantly carved robe is a baroque element that adds a sense of motion and energy to the artwork. Originally, the sculpture was polychromed, but the original pigments have weathered away and been replaced with whitewash. Repairs, losses, and insect damage are minor and expected due to great age. many vintage and antique religious sculptures have much more serious losses. Most importantly, the figure makes a powerful human impression -it is "good art" as well as a piece of history. The whitewashing of the surface actually allows the form and proportions of the piece to take on primary importance. It is a religious piece, made for the purpose of instruction and inspiration but it can also be viewed and appreciated from a humanistic perspective. It will add depth and meaning to any modern home; a layer of richness and sophistication that provides a refreshing contrast to the aridness of many contemporary environments.

Dimensions:

Height: 61.5 in (156.21 cm)Width: 28 in (71.12 cm)Depth: 24 in (60.96 cm)

Materials and Techniques:

Wood

Place of Origin:

France

Period:

18th Century

Date of Manufacture:

18th Century

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor fading.