Spanish school, 17th century and later. "San Telmo". Carved,... Lot 4

Spanish school, 17th century and later. "San Telmo". Carved, gilded and polychromed wood. Slight lack of polychromy. One finger missing. Some xylophages. Repainting. Measurements: 116 x 40 x 25 cm. Devotional carving with a representation of Saint Telmo, whom we recognise by the boat he holds in his left hand, as the patron saint of sailors. However, the Dominican habit in which he is usually represented has been replaced by that of a bishop, with crozier and mitre. The carving is half-format, with a niche at the back in the form of a niche. The workmanship is veristic, in keeping with the late-baroque patterns of the period: the different layers of the attire have been described in detail (the richly draped cloak, the tunic showing vertical folds underneath), the hands show an attentive anatomical study and the bearded face is characterised by its serene self-absorption and wisdom. Saint Telmo was a Spanish Catholic priest. He served as chaplain to King Ferdinand III of Castile before taking up the priory of the convent of Guimarães. He left the court to preach in Asturias and Galicia and in northern Portugal. From this period of his life most of his miracles are recounted, especially in aid of sailors and fishermen, for whom he is said to have had particular sympathy.