Exceptional Medieval Monoxyle Oak Carving Of Saint Sebastian - Primitive 12th Century

Rare and moving medieval sculpture depicting Saint Sebastian, one of the most venerated martyrs of Western Christendom, particularly invoked in the Middle Ages as a protector against epidemics and calamities.

This important figure is carved from a single piece of monoxylated oak, using a technique characteristic of the great medieval religious statuary destined for churches, chapels and places of pilgrimage. At 87 cm high, it presents a monumental presence that suggests a prestigious ecclesiastical provenance, probably integrated into a sculpted ensemble or liturgical decoration.

The representation retains all the expressive force typical of 12th and 13th century sculpture. The body, treated with strict frontality, develops sober, powerful volumes where spirituality prevails over anatomical research. The face, now heavily worn by time and devotion, retains the stylistic characteristics of the transitional period between late Romanesque art and the first manifestations of Gothic: synthetic modelling, simplified features and interiorized expression.

The hair falling in compact masses on either side of the face, and the perizonium with geometric folds surrounding the loins, belong to the formal vocabulary of medieval religious statuary from southern Europe. Several old perforations visible on the torso and hips probably correspond to the locations of the arrows symbolizing the saint's torture, a traditional iconographic attribute of Saint Sebastian.

The work features a remarkable ancient patina, developed over the centuries by the wood's natural oxidation, devotional handling and successive storage conditions. Visible wear, missing parts and alterations fully participate in the authenticity of this sculpture, testifying to its great age and prolonged cultic use.

By its quality of execution, rarity and age, this sculpture is a precious testimony to medieval sacred statuary. Works from this period, preserved in their original material and having undergone little modern intervention, remain particularly sought-after by medieval art collectors, institutions and lovers of early religious sculpture.

• Era: 12th - 13th century
• Subject : Saint Sebastian martyr
• Origine : Southern Europe
• Material: monoxyle carved oak
• Height: 87 cm
• Condition: wear, missing parts and alterations consistent with age
• Original antique platinum
• Veotional sculpture or part of an ecclesiastical ensemble

Work sold with certificate of authenticity and expertise report.

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