Lot 240
Western Europe, Italy, ca. 19th century CE. A gorgeous set of sculptures of 2 of the Evangelists, Saint John and Saint Matthew, both meticulously hand-carved from creamy white marble. Standing next to a tree with his left foot stepping dramatically forward onto a rock, Saint John is depicted with his slender body dressed in a long-sleeved tunic; his youthful visage turned to his right as he looks up to the heavens, lengthy locks of hair falling to his shoulders. In his left hand, the apostle holds open a book that bears the Latin inscription "Et Verbu Caro factu est" - a shortened version of "et verbum caro factum est" - translating to "And the Word became flesh" - a verse from his own gospel: John 1:14. The wings and feet of his traditional eagle are shown to his right. Alternatively, Saint Matthew is seated upon a rock formation with a book - presumably the Bible - held open by an angel - a main attribute of his iconography - at his right side. Size of largest: 6.2" W x 9" H (15.7 cm x 22.9 cm); 10.2" H (25.9 cm) on included custom stand.
The evangelist, however, does not read the heavenly codex and instead gazes forward thoughtfully, as though reflecting upon his religiosity. In contrast to John, Matthew is depicted as an elderly man presenting a wrinkled brow above heavy-lidded eyes, sunken cheeks, a bulbous nose, and naturalistic lips engulfed in a lengthy moustache and thick beard, all capped by a tonsured coiffure. His muscular body is draped in the heavy fabric of a flowing robe, while he rests his right arm atop the open Bible. An ink well can be seen behind the book, suggesting that he is in the process of penning his own gospel of the New Testament.
Provenance: private San Francisco, California, USA collection, acquired 1970s to 2000s
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#170450
- Condition: Saint John is missing eagle and proper right hand. Losses to back left corner of base, index finger of right hand, and left hand of Saint Matthew. Loss to left wing of angel. Repair to right foot, front right corner of base, and head of Saint Matthew with breaks visible and head detachable. Repair to right wing of angel with break visible. Both have expected abrasions and some light softening of detail, commensurate with age. Otherwise, both are very nice. Saint John is attached to a modern stand.
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