19th Century English Polychrome Bulto with Glass Eyes

Description

Wood carved, gessoed and painted with delicate features, especially through the face, this saint is reminiscent of alter pieces from throughout Europe. After the Reformation of the 1530s English churches were required to remove “idols” of the Catholic faith in favor of more Protestant symbols. Polychrome saints and prophets were recast in the forms of clergy and a new type of more “realistic” symbols were developed and put forth by the Church of England. This statue is one of that continuing tradition. 11.5″ x 5.5″ x 2.5″