Saint Paul Sculpture, Catalan School, 13th Century

Sculpted in the round, this slender statue depicts Saint Paul holding the sword, the symbol of his martyrdom, in his right hand and the book of the Gospels in his left.
The robe, tied at the waist, is adorned with sharp-edged pleats, creating a graphic rigidity and a very refined style.
The oval face, with its serene and serious features, heralds the humanization of images from the early Gothic period.
Here again, we see Romanesque influence in both expression and posture.
The hieratic attitude, flat thorax, drooping shoulders, and distant gaze allow us to compare this interesting polychrome sculpture to the works of the Catalan School of the 13th century.

Dimensions
H. 85 cm x W. 24 cm x D. 14 cm

Spain – Catalonia
Polychrome wood
13th century