18th Century Wooden Polychromed Sculpture of Saint Anthony Carrying Jesus

Although the 18th century, the period of the Enlightenment in France, spawned thinkers who criticised the privileges of the clergy and the truthfulness of certain dogmas, the Roman Catholic faith was very much present in everyday life. Since king Louis XIV had issued the Edict of Fontainebleau in 1685, Protestantism was banned. This Madonna with child illustrates the daily practice of faith. Like many 18th-century Madonna statues...

According to the legends, there are two Saint Anthony’s, they can easily be distinguished by their hair. This one is known as Saint Anthony of Padua, he is recognizable by his hair, ...

Francis of Paola, O.M., (or: Francesco di Paola or Francis the Fire Handler; 27 March 1416 – 2 April 1507) was an Italian mendicant friar and the founder of the Roman Catholic Order ...

Saint Erasmus or Saint Elmo (Antioch, ca. 240 – Formia, 303) was an Italian bishop and patron saint of the sailors. His attribute was the capstan, a winch on which the anchor chains were rolled up. He died as a martyr for his faith, and his bones were transferred to Gaeta in the 9th century, where they are kept in the cathedral to this day. The electric phenomenon of Saint Elmus fire is named after Saint Erasmus and the 16th C humanist Desiderius Erasmus. Little is known with certainty about Saint Erasmus' life. However, many legends may have been passed on orally until the - no older writings are known with certainty. His birthplace was in present-day Syria. However, the persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian forced him to flee to Mount Lebanon...

Armadillos ("little armoured ones" in Spanish) are New World placental mammals characterized by a leathery armour shell and long, sharp claws for digging. They have short legs but ca...

Hard wood with rests of polychromy.

4 feet tall, finest quality carved, antique, former Catholic church or Franciscan monastery sculpture. This rare church or monastery statue of Sain...

Interesting 18th Santos figure with glass eyes, but without hands or feet, this piece was part of a large installation. Appears all original with he...

This antique baby Jesus figure was crafted in Italy, circa 1780. The hand-painted putti carving feature its original polychrome finish for a luxurio...

A pair of 18th century carved wooden figurines Likely Central European originating somewhere in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, or Northern Italy. Both figurines depict a gallant gentleman in period dress holding a basket replete with fruit or flowers. Each is mounted on an integral wooden base with a rocaille base. These figures are rare and are a fine addition to any period room...

Fine hand carved oak figure of Saint Anthony of Padua Late 18th- Early 19th Century Saint Anthony is depicted with his head raised, mouth ajar, as if in the process of speaking. He stands upright wearing his traditional Franciscan robes and holding open a book. Beautifully carved with high level of detail, unusual for oak pieces. Oak is a dense hardwood which is difficult to carve and it's rare to see this level of detail in an early oak sculpture. Saint Anthony is the Patron Saint of lost things. While living at the monastery, he had a treasured book which contained psalms and personal observations. His book was stolen by a man who decided to leave the monastery and Anthony ferverently prayed for its return as the cost of a new book would have been beyond his means. The thief repented and returned the book which is believed to be preserved at the Franciscan Library in Bologna. He is one of the most popular Catholic saints...

A 17th-18th century continental painted terracotta sculpture of a kneeling Virgin in the manner of Angolo di Poli. This exquisite terracotta sculpture features a poignant depiction of the Virgin Mary. The red and blue clothes...