Saint Paul in polychrome carved wood from the 14th century

Sculpted in the round, this slender statue is organized around a vertical axis of symmetry. It represents a Saint in a standing position which leads us to believe that it is Saint Paul. In his left hand he carries the book of the Gospels. His right hand, with open fingers, certainly held the sword, the attribute of his martyrdom.
The dress, tied at the waist, is matched with particularly stiff and simplified vertical pleats, for a very refined style. The Saint is also dressed in a red cape with gold braid held by a barrette on the front.
Faithful to his iconography, Saint Paul is represented here with a rather bald head and generous beard falling in a cascade.
The face is elongated and the lively look of the almond-shaped eyes expresses both serenity and seriousness.
The hieratic attitude, the flat thorax, the drooping shoulders, the distant gaze allow us to compare this interesting polychrome sculpture to the productions of northern Italy from the 14th century.

Dimensions
H. 68 cm x L. 20 cm x D. 14 cm

Polychrome wood
Original polychromy
Northern Italy
14th century