Saint Anthony
Object description: This wooden gilt, a polychrome sculpture of Santo António is a richer representation of the saint, where the volume and movement of His habit's folds, which are caught along his left side, bear clear similarities with several depictions of the Virgin Mary. The long cord belt with its three knots referring to chastity, poverty, and obedience to the rule, is seen to have moved towards his right. The hems of his cassock, collar, and hood are gilded. The pedestal's irregular shape bearing a central Fleurette indicates that it is from the latter half of the 18th Century. The characteristic tonsure of his order is visible on the saint’s head which bears a pinhole, originally meant for a halo which would have generally been in silver or gold.
Period: 18th Century
Source: Salvaged from a waste bin in Margão Goa, India.
Content and picture credits: Mr. Frazer Andrade (Margão, Goa)
