Carved Wooden Panel - Saint Margaret Of Antioch And The Dragon - Devil - Early Period

Second half of the 17th century – 1665 France. This solid wood carving is a remarkable example of 17th-century religious folk art. Dated precisely to 1665, it depicts Saint Margaret of Antioch in a powerful and triumphant iconography, typical of Counter-Reformation spirituality. The saint is shown standing, crowned, holding the palm of martyrdom in one hand and a large cross in the other, while at her feet the dragon, symbol of the devil, is vanquished. The composition, frontal and solemn, exudes an almost archaic force. The saint's face, with its deliberately simplified features, expresses a peaceful gravity, characteristic of rural folk sculpture. The drapery is deeply carved, with ample, rhythmic folds, giving the figure an impression of both movement and stability. The presence of the dragon, rendered in a stylized yet expressive manner, reinforces the symbolic dimension of the work: the victory of faith over evil. The upper part of the panel is adorned with sculpted motifs framing the date 1665, which is integrated directly into the design. This detail is fundamental, as it situates the work within a precise historical context, at a time when religious imagery played a vital role in daily spiritual life, particularly in rural areas. The frame, decorated with plant motifs and stylized architectural elements, reflects a decorative vocabulary still inherited from the late Renaissance. This type of panel was most likely intended to adorn a piece of furniture (chest, cabinet, sideboard) or a small space for domestic devotion. It is an object of spiritual protection as much as a decorative work, intended to affirm faith at the heart of the living space. Condition: The panel displays a beautiful, deep, and even antique patina. Signs of wear consistent with age, minor imperfections, and old traces of woodworm are visible, but without altering the structure. Overall, it is sound, unaltered, and retains all its expressive power. Dimensions: 56.5 x 25 cm DELIVERY: ALL DELIVERIES ARE MADE BY DHL EXPRESS ONLY TO GUARANTEE FAST AND SECURE RECEIPT!