Figure of a Saint in Roman Soldier’s Attire

unknown

  • Figure of a Saint in Roman Soldier’s Attire 2
  • Figure of a Saint in Roman Soldier’s Attire 3
Basic information
ID
С-I-65
Author
unknown
Name
Figure of a Saint in Roman Soldier’s Attire
Date of creation
18th c.
Country
Ukraine
Technique
carving polychrome
Material
wood gilt
Dimensions (height x width x depth, cm)
191 x 89 x 49
Additionally
Information about author
Author
unknown
Country
Object description
The sculpture depicts the figure of a saint with his arms outstretched theatrically. In this work, the master concentrated on the three-dimensional plasticity of the athletic body. The face is worked out in detail – clearly outlined by the arches of the eyelids, expressive almond-shaped eyes, dark eyebrows, a straight nose, prominent cheekbones with sunken cheeks, and broad, full lips framed by waves of dark beard. The ascetic facial expression enhances the man's detached, unflinching gaze. The saint's body is covered in knightly armour with a scaly pattern. His feet are covered with high sandals, typical of Roman soldiers. The sculptural image is expressed by a scarf attached to his chest with a fibula that seems to flutter with movement. The dynamic, monumental folds of the drapery are modelled in three dimensions, dominated by abstract surfaces with soft, ribbed protrusions created by deep incisions. Despite the saint's expressive pose, composed in classical contrapposto, the sculptural image is characterised by emotional restraint.
Legal regulation
Borys Voznytskyi Lviv National Art Gallery