Carved Wooden Statue of a Franciscan Saint – Early to Mid 20th Century (c. 1920–1950)

A beautifully carved wooden devotional statue depicting a Franciscan saint, most likely Saint Francis of Assisi.

The figure is shown standing in traditional Franciscan habit with rope cord, hands devoutly crossed over the chest. The face is expressively carved, featuring a beard and traditional monastic tonsure, reflecting careful hand craftsmanship.

The statue retains its original dark brown and greenish polychrome finish, with traces of gilding visible on the base.

Origin & Dating

• Period: Early to mid 20th century (circa 1920–1950)

• Probable Origin:

  • Southern Germany

  • Tyrol

  • Italy

  • Belgian ecclesiastical workshops

The style and finish are consistent with church devotional sculpture produced for chapels, monasteries, or private religious interiors during the first half of the 20th century.

Material & Technique

• Hand-carved wood

• Original polychrome finish

• Traces of gilding on the base

• Visible hand-carved detailing in drapery and facial features

The craftsmanship reflects traditional European ecclesiastical carving practices.

Condition

Overall condition: Good, age-appropriate

Stable structure
Original polychromy preserved

Natural craquelure in painted surface
Expected wear to paint and gilding
Minor age-related wood crack on the back (typical wood movement)
No major losses or structural breaks visible

No evidence of modern overpainting based on current inspection

About House of History

At House of History, we are passionate about discovering and curating vintage and unique items for history lovers like you. We believe that a tangible piece of history brings the past to life—and that is where our passion lies. Our dedication to this pursuit is reflected in our annual visits to numerous markets, vintage shops, and auctions, both nationally and internationally, in search of that one special piece. Whether you are looking to expand your collection or add an extra touch of character to your interior, we strive to find the perfect item for you.

Our selection is based on careful curation, love, and craftsmanship. Do you have a specific question? Let us know—we are happy to help. Please feel free to contact us with any questions, comments, or concerns. We are always here for you.

Pricing and Shipping

At House of History, our prices always include shipping costs. We recommend keeping this in mind when comparing prices. In addition, all orders are shipped with track & trace for your peace of mind. Orders are dispatched within 1–2 business days. We use only reputable shipping companies and provide tracking for all shipments. Items valued over €200.00 are always shipped insured. Our products are professionally and carefully packed, and we have extensive experience with international shipping.

Notes

House of History specializes in vintage items, which means our products may show signs of use. We recommend carefully reviewing the accompanying photos and videos before making a purchase. If you have questions about a product or would like additional photos, videos, or descriptions, please do not hesitate to contact us—we are always happy to assist.

At House of History, we prefer to preserve the original condition of our products. Some customers prefer a polished or restored appearance, while others appreciate a time-worn look (patina). For this reason, most of our items are offered unpolished and unrestored.