Renaissance, Baroque, Bronze Saints

Two Saint Figures
Probably Italy, beginning of the 17th century
Gilt copper
Some casting defects
Height: 12.4 and 12.5 cm

The two saints are dressed in a habit and a mantle adorned with scrollwork. Each holds a book. They are both depicted in contrapposto, with the forward movement of the knee under the robe and the tilt of the hips creating a network of folds in their garments. This posture, combined with the movement of their heads and arms, suggests Italian craftsmanship.

The bronzes are fully chiseled: the robes are hammered to give the effect of thick fabric, while the mantles are decorated with scrollwork designed by stippling.