Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 21

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

$16,500
$22,00025% Off
£12,492.07
£16,656.0925% Off
€14,467.29
€19,289.7225% Off
CA$23,351.27
CA$31,135.0325% Off
A$26,162.86
A$34,883.8125% Off
CHF 13,605.83
CHF 18,141.1025% Off
MX$316,982.68
MX$422,643.5825% Off
NOK 173,344.25
NOK 231,125.6725% Off
SEK 161,822.87
SEK 215,763.8325% Off
DKK 107,995.25
DKK 143,993.6725% Off

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:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    18th Century
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor fading.
  • Seller Location:
    Chicago, IL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 22E010011stDibs: LU886429787462

More From This Seller

View All
Cherub Carved from Wood with Polychrome & Gilt
Located in Chicago, IL
An Italian cherub, carved from linden wood wood. This graceful and exceptionally well-carved figure was likely part of an altar ensemble. The eyes and face are particularly well-form...
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century Italian Baroque Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wood

A Cast Iron Figure of a Young Boy
Located in Chicago, IL
This cast iron sculpture depicts a young child in a praying pose. It was made as an outdoor garden decoration and retains some original paint. Its highly rusted state suggests long-t...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Statues

Materials

Iron

A Pair of Linden Wood Austrian Angels
Located in Chicago, IL
Exquisitely carved in linden wood, this pair of Austrian Baroque angels epitomizes the dynamic movement and dramatic expression characteristic of the period. Each figure is rendered ...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Austrian Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wood

A Teak Wood Sculpture of a Cambodian Apsara Goddess
Located in Chicago, IL
Newly carved from reclaimed teakwood, this bust takes the form of an apsara. With origins in both Hindu and Buddhist mythology, Apsaras are female spirits of the clouds and waters. T...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Teak

Pair of Patinated Gilt Bronze Buddhist Apostles
Located in Chicago, IL
These marvelously fluid and artistic figures were cast from bronze in the style of Northern Thailand and Burma. According to Buddhist tradition, the Buddha had two first Chief Disciples, Sāriputta and Moggallāna. They were wealthy young men seeking after higher knowledge and enlightenment and always depicted in elegant robes and often with unshaven heads. Depictions of these greatly -revered apostles are often found along side Buddha statues and holy angels...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

A Carved Teak Saraswati Figure
Located in Chicago, IL
Apsaras are celestial nymphs or female spirits associated with water, clouds, and the arts. They are often depicted as beautiful, enchanting beings with the ability to dance, sing, a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Teak

You May Also Like

South German “man Of Sorrows” – Carved Pinewood Devotional Figure (17th Century)
Located in Bilzen, BE
"South German “man Of Sorrows” – Carved Pinewood Devotional Figure (17th Century)" Region: South Germany (likely Bavaria or Swabia) Date: Mid to late 17th century (circa 1650–1700) M...
Category

Antique 17th Century Austrian Baroque Religious Items

Materials

Wood

Saint John the Baptist Wood Sculpture, 19th Century
Located in Astoria, NY
Saint John the Baptist Carved Polychromed Wood Sculpture, early 19th century, holding a scroll and accompanied by a seated lamb, on rectangular base. 44.5" H x 26" W x 13.25" D. Prov...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century American Classical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Sculpture of John The Baptist, 16th Century
Located in North Miami, FL
Early 16th Century Spanish gold gilded and polychromed carved wood sculpture of John The Baptist.
Category

Antique 16th Century Spanish Renaissance Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Gold Leaf

Italian 17th Century Patinated Wood Carved Statue
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A wonderful and charming Italian 17th century patinated wood carved statue of an angel. The captivating angel is raised by a circular base and dress...
Category

Antique 17th Century Italian Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Saint John the Baptist Sculpture, 18th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
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: ...
Category

Antique 18th Century Portuguese Renaissance Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Carved Oak Statue Of Saint Peter – Late 16th Century, Northern Europe
Located in Bilzen, BE
"Carved Oak Statue Of Saint Peter – Late 16th Century, Northern Europe" Carved Oak Statue of Saint Peter – Late 16th Century, Northern Europe Origin: Northern Europe, likely Southern...
Category

Antique 16th Century Belgian Baroque Religious Items

Materials

Wood