222 Saint Paul the Hermit

Image of complete carving. Carved wood, original polychrome. Painted eyes. This sculpture represents Saint Paul of Thebes, considered the first Christian hermit, who lived in solitude in the Egyptian desert for more than ninety years. Seated on a rock, he holds a skull in a meditative attitude, a traditional iconography that alludes to the reflection on the transience of life and the salvation of the soul. The saint appears covered only with a coarse red cloth, emphasizing his renunciation of material goods and his life of penance. The work of popular manufacture, stands out for the simplicity of its modeling and the expressive force of his face. The representation of Saint Paul the Hermit is less frequent than that of other penitent saints, which gives this piece a particular interest within the popular religious art of the 19th century.Provenance: Northern Argentina Measurements: 22 x 10 cmProvenance: Northern Argentina Measurements:22 x 10 cm