{"product_id":"polychromed-carved-wooden-figure-of-a-franciscan-saint","title":"Polychromed Carved Wooden Figure of a Franciscan Saint","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eItem: Polychromed Carved Wooden Figure of a Franciscan Saint\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAdditional Description\u003cbr\u003eHand-carved devotional sculpture depicting a Franciscan friar standing in traditional habit and holding a small religious figure, likely the Christ Child. The saint is shown with a tonsured hairstyle, long robe, and simple corded habit characteristic of Franciscan iconography. Traces of the original polychrome decoration survive throughout, including black, blue-gray, red, green, and gilt accents. The carving possesses a charming folk-art quality with simplified facial features and strong vertical drapery folds.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe figure was likely intended for a domestic shrine, chapel setting, or religious display rather than a formal church altar.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEra\u003cbr\u003eLikely 19th century, possibly late 18th to early 19th century.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHistory\u003cbr\u003eFranciscan devotional figures were widely produced throughout Catholic Europe and Latin America, particularly in regions influenced by Franciscan missionary activity. Saints such as St. Anthony of Padua are frequently depicted carrying the Christ Child, symbolizing visions associated with the saint's life. Folk devotional carvings often prioritized spiritual expression over academic realism, resulting in highly distinctive regional styles.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBased on the simplified carving, surviving polychromy, and construction, this example appears more consistent with a provincial devotional carving than a later decorative reproduction.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProvenance\u003cbr\u003ePrivate collection.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaterials\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHand-carved wood\u003cbr\u003ePolychrome painted surface\u003cbr\u003eTraces of gilt decoration\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDimensions\u003cbr\u003eDimensions not provided.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCondition\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSignificant surface wear and paint loss throughout\u003cbr\u003eAge-related cracking and shrinkage to the wood\u003cbr\u003eLosses to carved details and extremities\u003cbr\u003eHeavy wear to the base\u003cbr\u003eStable overall with attractive aged surface and patina\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDisclaimers\u003cbr\u003eIdentification as a Franciscan saint, potentially St. Anthony of Padua, is based on iconographic characteristics visible in the photographs. Exact saint attribution, region of origin, and date cannot be guaranteed without further examination. Evidence of age, wear, and surviving original polychromy support an antique devotional origin.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48727667212543,"sku":null,"price":215.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0725\/8780\/4927\/files\/4CC40801-1E0C-4F6A-B777-A5BE72F9C201.png?v=1782056343","url":"https:\/\/forthelouvreofantiques.com\/es\/products\/polychromed-carved-wooden-figure-of-a-franciscan-saint","provider":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}