18th Century Reliquary Bust With First Class Relics Of Saint Wolfgang, Ossuary Gilding

Finely crafted, golf-leafed bust with reliquary compartment of Saint Wolfgang (c. 934-994 AD), patron saint of woodcarvers and carpenters, 10th century. His life is one of the best documented among medieval saints. Otlah wrote his biography shortly after his death. He was a missionary to the Hungarians, Bishop of Regensburg in Bavaria, and a Benedictine.
The saint wears the simple mitre of a bishop in this bust. The details are intricate and the anatomy is perfect. He is bearded, unlike other depictions of the saint, such as those by Michael Pacher and Moritz von Schwind. His demeanor is serious and animated as befits an ascetic and a priest who was reputed to have been one of the best preachers of the medieval period.
Wolfgang's appearance here is very close to the model of the sculpture of the saint on the altar of the parish church of Metnitz, the work of Balthassar Prandstätter, whose workshop was famous for its wood carvings in the 18th century. This reliquary bust is probably the work of Johann Nishlwitzer or another apprentice of Prandstätter and would make a fine addition to any collection of saints or as a freestanding bust in an entryway or office.
Was
Some damage to the top of the miter and other minor indentations: no other damage observed