St. John the Baptist Statue, Philippines, Late 18th Century

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...

Saint John the Baptist 18th century Portuguese sculpture from the 18th century. in polychrome wood. The figure is represented standing with the lamb. Small flaws. Measure: ...

Antique Italian carved wood figural card stand or server. Life-sized figure in the form of a young cavalier holding a round tray, on a small pedestal base. 1EXA.

A sublime and rare late 18th century Burmese Ava period carved, lacquered and gilt Buddha. The historical Buddha, Shakyamuni, is portrayed in bhumisparsha mudra, the gesture of calling the Earth to witness, commemorating the moment the Buddha reached enlightenment. The Buddha is dressed in patchwork...

Stylistically, and to appreciate the stylistic differences, compare with the San Juan Bautista of the "Altarpiece of San Juan Bautista" by Juan de Juni and Inocencio Berruguete, dated in 1551 and today in the National Museum of Sculpture of Valladolid, or with the Sanint John the Baptist by Alonso...

This double sided hitching post was used to stall horses for short period of times. They are found throughout China and made during centuries. This hardstone example dates from the 1...