France Late 16th Century, Sculpture By Saint Laurent (h 69 Cm)

Work from Eastern France or Northern Europe, this large 16th century sculpture represents Saint Laurent (H 69 cm)

The greatest martyr of the beginnings of Christianity, he lived in the 3rd century under Roman domination, at the time when Emperor Valerian had resumed persecution against Christians.
He was responsible to Pope Sixtus II for helping the poor, suspected by Valerian of possessing the riches he coveted.
He was burned alive on August 10, 258.
Here he wears the characteristic dalmatic of deacons, open on the sides, with deeply worked folds.
Meticulously sculpted, he holds the Book in his left hand and in his right hand held the grill handle, one of his attributes. He then placed it on the head of his executioner.

This sculpture from the second half of the 16th century presents an interesting iconographic rarity. Indeed, it is not common to see the representation of the Roman Emperor Valerian lying at the feet of Saint Laurent.

In very good shape. Missing the grill handle. Small remains of polychromy.
Base reinforced by a small rear wooden stick.
Dimensions H 69 cm / L 22 cm / D 17 cm

Comes from a large private collection.