Antique European Polychrome & Gilt Carved Wood Figure of a Holy Bishop, Circa 1700

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Description

An evocative antique European religious sculpture depicting a Holy Bishop or saint, hand-carved in wood with beautifully aged polychrome decoration … Read more An evocative antique European religious sculpture depicting a Holy Bishop or saint, hand-carved in wood with beautifully aged polychrome decoration and gilding.

The standing ecclesiastical figure is portrayed wearing a traditional bishop’s mitre and richly decorated liturgical vestments, with a long curled beard and finely modeled facial features. He holds a book, likely representing the Holy Scriptures, in his left hand.

Particularly beautiful are the remnants of gilt and hand-painted ornamentation throughout the robes, including the intricate patterned decoration along the front of the vestments. The naturally aged surface, with areas of worn gilding and exposed wood, gives the sculpture wonderful depth and authentic Old World character.

The figure stands upon an integral carved and painted wooden pedestal base. His right hand is missing; it may originally have held a bishop’s crozier or another ecclesiastical attribute.

A distinctive example of European devotional art, ideal for a collection of religious antiquities, Continental decorative arts, or an Old World-inspired interior.

Dimensions:
Height: 11.5"
Width: 4.5"
Depth: 2.5" See less