Old religious plaster statue, vintage Saint Anthony of Padua, devotional object

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

Religious statue depicting Saint Anthony of Padua holding the Infant Jesus, made of plaster, with a glossy polychrome finish. The scene is typical of traditional Christian iconography, with Saint Anthony in a brown monastic habit, cord tied at his waist, carrying the Christ child dressed in a light blue and red tunic. The saint's serene and gentle face is finely modeled, while the child's expression is joyful, accentuating the devotional aspect of the work.

The statue has a smooth, varnished finish, characteristic of religious productions from the early to mid-20th century, often intended for private devotion or the ornamentation of domestic altars. The base, also made of plaster, imitates the shape of an open book, a detail frequently associated with Saint Anthony, symbolizing his role as a preacher and Doctor of the Church.

The dominant colors are the deep brown of the habit, the pastel blue and red of the Child's garment, with touches of gold on the flowers and borders. Some chips and paint loss are visible on the base, the front of the garment, and the saint's right shoulder, attesting to the piece's age and prolonged use.

The molding work reveals fine details on the saint's hands, face, and cord. No markings, signatures, or inscriptions are visible on the photographed side. The back and bottom are not observable in this image.

The statue rests on a wooden piece of furniture in front of an antique bookcase, which highlights its elongated vertical format and decorative presence. Natural light brings out the varnished appearance of the plaster and emphasizes the patina of time.

Condition

Used item sold as is. Marked signs of wear, visible plaster chips on the base and shoulder, original patina preserved. See photo for the precise condition of the exposed side.

Did you know? Saint Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) is one of the most popular saints in the Catholic tradition. He is frequently depicted holding the Infant Jesus, a reference to a mystical apparition recounted in his hagiographies. Plaster statues, widely distributed in France from the late 19th century onwards, allowed the faithful to have access to accessible devotional objects for daily prayer.

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Keywords: Saint Anthony statue, religious plaster sculpture, antique devotional object, devotional statuette, vintage Christian figurine, church statue, altar decoration, patron saint, polychrome statuette, religious statue, antique devotional item, catholic saint figurine