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Description:
This is an outstanding Late Gothic depiction of St Barbara with Chalice and Sword, shown vested in alb, cope and tiara. This exceptional piece is hand-carved from a solid block of heavy wood, and probably came from the Tyrol Region of Northern Italy. The original colours are laid on gesso over a red or blue lead priming of the wood. The broken-edged folds of the mantle indicate late medieval influence. The wood has reddish hue at the base, suggesting cherry or rosewood. The statue proper is attached to a one-inch-thick plinth with a dowel and is removable. The fact she is holding a sword dates this depiction from before 1550, or before the widespread introduction of muskets and canon, as later depictions show her with these weapons and in her role as the Patron Saint of different soldiering bodies in modern times (such as Artillery Corps and Bomb Disposal Regiments around the world). I have also been told that she is the patron saint of architects and firemen. I have included some information on St. Barbara below, as hers is a rather fascinating story, though brutal.
Inquiries and more picture requests very welcome.
Saint Barbara was a virgin and a martyr. The legend of Saint Barbara says she was born in Nicomedia, Asia Minor, daughter to a wealthy salesman named Dioskuros, in 210 AD. Her mother died shortly after her birth and Barbara was brought up as an only child in a much-shielded environment. Both her father and the servants adored Barbara for her intellect and her beauty. Out of shyness she kept to herself and did not take part in either social life or amusements. She was pensive and withdrawn and her inner search occupied most of her life. Her search made her interested in Christianity. When she heard that Bishop Origenus would arrive in Alexandria, she wrote him a letter, asking to be enlightened about Christianity. The bishop sent a lay brother to teach her the new faith. Her father, who was afraid that the Christian faith would affect his business negatively, tried in every way to convert Barbara away from Christianity. He arranged wealthy and noble suitors for his daughter; he built her a palace richly ornamented with icons, all for nothing. She wanted to get married to a Christian man. Finally, the father became so upset that he locked her up in the castle tower. When her father came home from a business trip, he found all his pagan icons destroyed, and, to the two windows in the tower where she was held, a third was added - a symbol of the Trinity. Barbara had also ordered a cross to be painted on the floor of the room where she was confined.
The people who had been appointed to guard Barbara told her father that she had been calling for Jesus Christ and Virgin Mary in her prayers. Furious, Dioskuros went to his daughter. She would not listen to her father, but instead tried to redeem him. Now frantic, Dioskurus tried to kill her, but God answered Barbara’s prayers. He sent a flash of lighting that opened the castle wall and she flew towards the mountains. The father followed her, trying to catch her. Barbara then flew through an opening in the mountainside that closed behind her, making Dioskuros fail in his attempt to catch her. She stayed hidden in the mountain for a while, but when she came out her father caught her and took her to the prefect Maximinus. The prefect was stunned by her beauty and pleaded for her to convert from the Christian faith. Barbara refused. She was then tortured to dissuade her from her faith.
In the night a miracle happened. The dark prison cell was beamed with heavenly light; Christ revealed himself to Barbara, and said: “Be patient my daughter, because I am with you.” He healed her wounds and when the morning broke everyone was astounded. The torture continued, and more miracles happened. Burning torches meant to scorch Barbara went out as soon as they came near her. Barbara held on to her faith in spite of the torture and the prefect finally sentenced her to death.
Dioskuros, alternating between rage and the desire to please his daughter, asked permission to administer the death sentence himself. He dragged Barbara to the top of a nearby mountain and decapitated her. Soon after the act he was filled with agony and fled down the mountain. On his way down the slope he was hit by a flash of lightning and died instantly. The same destiny fell upon Maximinus, who had pronounced the sentence. The legend states that this was the fourth sign, which led to Barbara being considered a saint. Under the leadership of lay brother Valentinos the disciples brought her body to Nicomedia and buried her in the village church. Around 500 AD emperor Justian brought her remains to Constantinople, where Pope Leo allowed a church to be built over her new grave in the late 6th century.
The legend about how her slayers were destroyed by lightning resulted in her being the patron saint against lightning, fire and sudden death. When black powder (or gunpowder) was introduced to the western world she also became the patron saint against accidents due to explosions, which is a very highly regarded attribute among military personnel. St Barbara is probably most commonly associated with the artillery, but also with military engineers, fortresses, Syria and firemen and firefighters. On 4th of December each year (her feast day) various military personnel and artillerymen around the world gather at their regiments and garrisons to parade and celebrate Saint Barbara. It happens on the 4th of December because, according to the Graeco-Roman calendar, that is the day on which her father executed her by an axe-blow to the neck.
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See my other items for more items of Catholic, Irish Celtic interest for collectors, Irish diaspora or Irish pubs
| Status: Off Market |
Reference#: CHC1 |
| Condition:
Very Good |
Year:
1500
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| Country:
ITALY |
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| Height:
16.5 in. (41.91 cm) |
Depth:
4.75 in. (12.06 cm) |
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Width: 5.5 in. (13.97 cm)
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| Title:
St. BARBARA LATE GOTHIC WOOD STATUE ca. 1500. POLYCHROME PAINT on GESSO 16.5" |
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| Materials:
Wood Paint Gesso |
Type:
GOTHIC |
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