Antique Wooden Statue Of Saint éloi, France, 1550

16th-century religious statue of Saint Eloi, entirely in wood, discovered in France. This extremely rare piece has a magnificent patina due to its age. The hand and staff are missing. A true historical treasure. The finely chiselled carvings on the dress bear witness to the craftsman's talent, with each fold executed with great precision. The natural grain of the wood lends warmth and authenticity to this unique work of art. Saint Éloi was a goldsmith, courtier and Frankish bishop, principal adviser to Dagobert I and later bishop of Noyon-Tournai. His deeds are recounted in the Vita Sancti Eligii. Saint Éloi is best known as the patron saint of horses and those who work with them. He is also the patron saint of goldsmiths, metalworkers, numismatists, veterinarians and the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, a British army corps.