Antique Carvings of 3 Apostles, Bolivia (2035)

Description

These statues are 3 of the 12 Apostles chosen by Jesus Christ to attend him, receive his special teaching and spread the message of Christianity. According to catholicanswers.com, “Catholics use statues, paintings, and other artistic devices to recall the person or thing depicted. Just as it helps to remember one’s mother by looking at her photograph, so it helps to recall the example of the saints by looking at pictures of them. Catholics also use statues as teaching tools.”

Although Apostles are traditionally portrayed standing or sitting and often grace the walls or doors of church entrances, there is no canon that associates hand gestures with specific Apostles. They can be identified by associated symbols, but since none here have symbols, their identities are unclear.

Well-carved with expressive and spiritual bearings, these seated Apostles have inset glass eyes, painted lashes and well-articulated facial features. The slight crack lines on the sides of their faces indicate the process by which the eyes were inset into the faces. All are bearded and wear similar robes, although with different vibrant color combinations. The hand positions and body postures diverge slightly.

These carvings were likely placed on a side altar in a Bolivian Roman Catholic church. They are survivors of a single large altar presentation of the Twelve Apostles. Most of the larger piece experienced age and insect damage and they were later refitted. Each is mounted on a two-tiered wood base, elevated at different heights and much of the original bright pigmentation remains.

This trio truly exhibits fine and detailed workmanship. As a carved set they emanate a sense of power and feeling that convey the emotion and spiritual character of the figures and what they represent.

This piece is featured in a VA instagram post.