Spanish School Artist, Sculpture of Saint Anthony of Padua with the Child, Late 18th Century, Wood

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Sculpture of Saint Anthony of Padua with the Child, Spanish School, late 18th century – Spain

Technique: Wood carving
School: … Read more Sculpture of Saint Anthony of Padua with the Child, Spanish School, late 18th century – Spain

Technique: Wood carving
School: Spanish School
Period: Late 18th century
Country of origin: Spain
Good condition considering its age and use / Minor damage to the Child's fingers
Dimensions: 46 x 20 x 17 cm

Exquisite sculpture of Saint Anthony of Padua, 18th century. Of exceptional craftsmanship, the iconography is typical of this saint. He is depicted as a young friar holding the Child Jesus, often with a lily in his other hand. In this instance, he uses both hands to support the Child, who, in turn, gently touches the saint's face. The lily represents his purity and his struggle against evil. The Child Jesus recalls the vision he had in Camposampiero, where he witnessed an apparition of the Child, whom he held in his arms. It also expresses his devotion to the humanity of Christ and his intimacy with God. The saint's youth alludes to the ideal figure: pure, good, and welcoming to all. The Franciscan habit recalls his membership in the Franciscan Order.

Anthony of Padua, or Anthony of Lisbon, born Fernando Martins de Bulhões (Lisbon, August 15, 1195 – Padua, June 13, 1231), was a Portuguese Catholic priest and member of the Order of Friars Minor, venerated as a saint and Doctor of the Church by the Catholic Church. He was born and raised in a wealthy Lisbon family and died in Padua, Italy. Renowned by his contemporaries for his powerful preaching, profound knowledge of Scripture, and unwavering love and devotion to the poor and the sick, he was one of the fastest-canonized saints in Church history, second only to Saint Peter Martyr of Verona, as he was canonized less than a year after his death. He was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius XII on January 16, 1946. He is one of the most popular Catholic saints, and his veneration is widespread throughout the world. His feast day is celebrated on June 13. Leo XII called him "the saint of the whole world" because his image and devotion can be found everywhere. He is the patron saint of the poor, travelers, bricklayers, bakers, and others. See less