Statue Of Saint Paul, 16th Century, Alabaster, Religious Sculpture, Renaissance Sword

An antique alabaster religious sculpture depicting Saint Paul, France, 16th century, Renaissance, in an Italianate style reminiscent of the artistic climate of Francis I, Fontainebleau, and the workshops of the Chartres/Paris region, mid-16th century. The saint is shown standing, holding his traditional attributes: the sword, emblem of his martyrdom, and the book, symbol of his teachings and epistles. The composition is distinguished by its striking verticality, the simplicity of the drapery, and above all by the expressive quality of the head, with its intense and meditative face, which lends the whole a remarkable presence. The sculpture displays the contemplative character typical of certain small-format devotional works of the Renaissance. The treatment of the alabaster, the smoothness of the surfaces, and the clarity of the silhouette further enhance the appeal of this piece. The statue is now mounted on an antique alabaster base. A restoration has been noted on the back of the base, as well as a small plaster repair with light filling on the sword. Some missing parts and damage are also present, visible in the photographs. Nevertheless, the piece retains considerable charm, an antique character, and a fine presentation. Total height: 42.5 cm; Height of the statue alone: 30 cm; Width: 10.5 cm; Diameter of the base: 12 cm