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XVIII century
Sant'Antonio Abate
Gilded wood, 71 cm high – base 22x19 cm
This wooden sculpture depicts Sant'Antoni Abate. Antonio was born in Come in Egypt in 151. At the age of twenty he sold all his possessions to lead a hermitic life as an ascetic, living in solitude in the abandoned fort of Pispir, enduring and enduring all kinds of temptations. The growing fame led him to abandon the hermitic life to take care of the numerous faithful. Following the medieval iconography, the saint is depicted with the classic monks' habit and hairdo while spreading his arms as a sign of blessing (absent forearms now lost). The slender figure is skilfully carved: the deep chiaroscuro that springs from the folds of the habit restores a light volume, the curls of the hair, slightly bouncy, and the sincere expression assumed by the saint demonstrate the plastic skill of the sculptor. The garments are made by applying layers of colors of which there are still evident traces, the artist, thanks to skilful light touches, tries to recreate the idea of a precious damask fabric.
The sculpture is relevant to the eighteenth century, clearly dependent on that set of formalistic concepts that were being developed in the period.
Absence of xylophagous insects, presence of perfectly stabilized retreats, a conservative restoration is recommended.
Work from a private collection after a hereditary dispersion, accompanied by Certification pursuant to art. 64 Legislative Decree 22/January/2004 n.42 Cultural Heritage Code (Italy)
The work will be suitably packaged and sent by courier with insured parcel. 67113195