Important bust of a preaching saint, Franz Schwanthaler, 1683-1762

The bust is of impressive expressiveness and illustrates the masterly ability to give an impressive message to a piece of wood.
There is an expert report on the bust by the leading expert on these works at the time. The contents read:
"The bust of a preaching saint (unmounted lime wood), is a qualitatively outstanding achievement by the sculptor from Ried,
Franz Schwanthaler the Elder (1683-1762), from his late period, the years around 1740. The work is especially remarkable for the strength of expression as well as for its open carving technique as one of the best creations of the master known so far".