Antique Carved and Painted Statue of St. Florian. Austria, Circa 1700

Description

St. Florian (250 A.D. – 304 A.D.), was a the patron saint of firefighters, brewers, chimney sweeps, and the town … more St. Florian (250 A.D. – 304 A.D.), was a the patron saint of firefighters, brewers, chimney sweeps, and the town of Linz, Austria. He served in the Roman army and part of his duties included organizing fire fighting brigades. He was secretly a Christian and became famous for miraculously saving a town from being destroyed by fire; after he prayed and threw a single bucket of water on the blaze, it was extinguished.

This beautifully carved and painted statue dates to approximately the end of the 1600s or early 1700s. It clearly depicts St. Florian with a bucket in hand and a flag in the other. At his feet, is a miniature building having stylized flames coming from the roof. The statue retains its original gesso and soft cream colored paint finish, with gilt highlights. From Austria, this antique wooden statue of St. Florian will make a meaningful decorative impact anywhere in the home. At over 39 inches tall (to top of flag), it can stand on its own, but will be even more appreciated on a raised surface or pedestal. less