Saint Onuphrius

Sculptural images of Saint Onuphrius are quite common among the works of folk masters. The sculptural image by Tysmenytsia master demonstrates the saintly man as a stocky person with an athletic torso and full of physical strength. The sculptor's chisel well conveyed the body of the saintly man. Saint Onuphrius is on his knees; the main emphasis is on his face, involved in prayer. Each element is reproduced in detail: arched eyebrows, deep-set eyes covered with eyelids, firmly closed lips, and a forehead divided by horizontal wrinkles lines. A decorative accent is an oak leaf bandage on the hips. Detailed carved and rhythmically laid leaves form a wide ornamental belt dividing the figure of the saintly man horizontally. The sculpture is distinguished by beard and hair elements made of fibre. Their remains can be seen under the nails, with which they were attached to the head of the saint. Due to the significant losses of the sculptural composition, it is difficult to imagine the genuine integral image of Saint Onuphrius.

Borys Voznytskyi Lviv National Art Gallery