Object Description
A superbly carved and highly decorative mid 18th century (circa 1760) Continental polychrome and gilt figure, probably of Saint John of Nepomuk.
This carved figure depicts St John of Nepomuk standing in his gold and blue robes with textured gold cloak holding a biretta (religious hat).
St John of Nepomuk (1345-93) was a Saint of Bohemia (Czech Republic), he was born in the small market town of Pomuk (later renamed Nepomuk) which belonged to a Cistercian abbey. He studied at the University of Prague and later canon law at the University of Padua.
He was drowned in the Vltava river at the command of King Wenceslaus IV of Bohemia for refusing to divulge a confession from the Queen, due to this he is considered the first martyr of the Seal of the Confessional and due to the manner of his death is known as a protector from floods and drowning.
This carving is in very good original condition for age (as shown on the images the index finger on his right hand missing), is of stable construction and can go straight into a home or collection.
Size:
Height: 36” / 91.5cm
Width: 28” / 71cm
Depth: 12” / 30.5cm