Wooden Statues

WOOD CARVED STATUES

Woodcarving has been with us since the dawn of recorded history.  Wood carving is a form of woodworking by means of a cutting tool (knife) in one hand or a chisel and/or the use of a mallet in the other hand, resulting in a wooden figure.

Some of the finest examples of early European wood carvings are from France, where the typical themes of that era were Christian iconography (visual images and symbols) , however we have to bear in mind that although producing sculpture in wood was widely practiced — little survives today or if it did survive it is not without blemishes.  Wood is vulnerable to decay, insects and fire– making wooden statues/sculptures  an important hidden element in the art history of many cultures.

We take great care on our trips to France to always be on the lookout for well carved statues.  We have many in our shops collected from travels abroad.  A few are pictured below.

As you can see a few of these statues are lacking hands or other extremities for a variety of reasons.  In addition to stone or marble, many  antique statues are made of wood and whether articulated mannequins or fully incorporated sculptures, wood can be subject to damage from significant fluctuations in heat and humidity or insect activity.
Ultimately, much like Greek and Roman statues, the arms, hands, noses, and other protruding body parts of the statue are simply less structurally secure and more prone to breakage.

These wooden statues impart a certain air of mystery.  Even when time presents them as looking neglected they bring beauty and importance to the home. There is a comfort to be found in the sight of such images; their peeling paint, crudely wrought wood, missing appendages and tiny holes of biological degradation remind all who see them of the long and relentless passage of time.

 

          

https://www.crownandcolony.com

All of the statue pictures are from RF Antiques and Crown and Colony Antiques.  You can view these on our website (click on STATUES) for more detail or call RF’s or Crown and Colony for additional assistance.

251-928-4808 Crown and Colony

251-928-8336 RF Antiques

Au Revoir!  A La Prochaine!!