Italian School, Female Saint Figure, 18th Century, Wood

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A beautifully carved 18th-century Italian Baroque devotional sculpture depicting a female saint, executed in wood and retaining attractive remnants of … Read more A beautifully carved 18th-century Italian Baroque devotional sculpture depicting a female saint, executed in wood and retaining attractive remnants of its original polychrome decoration. The figure is represented standing in a serene devotional pose, her hands raised towards her chest and her face modelled with a calm, contemplative expression. Particularly impressive is the treatment of the deeply folded and sweeping drapery, which creates a strong sense of movement and gives the sculpture the theatrical presence associated with Italian Baroque religious art. Carved entirely in wood, the figure retains areas of historic polychrome and painted surface, now mellowed through age into warm earthy reds, browns and muted tones. The naturally worn finish reveals the underlying carving in places and contributes greatly to the sculpture's authentic antique character. The figure stands upon a later rectangular display base, providing stability while allowing the original carving to remain the principal focus. Of particular interest is the documented provenance. The sculpture was formerly in a private collection and was acquired at a Sotheby's auction in Sussex on 28 November 1989. A Sotheby's label reportedly remains attached to the underside, providing an attractive connection to its previous auction history. An evocative example of 18th-century Italian ecclesiastical sculpture, combining accomplished Baroque carving, surviving historic decoration and established provenance. Origin Italy Subject Female Saint / Devotional Figure Material Carved wood with remnants of polychrome decoration; later base Measurements Height: 51 cm / 20.1 in Width: approx. 18 cm / 7.1 in Depth: approx. 14 cm / 5.5 in Period 18th Century, Baroque See less