Sculpture, Saint Demetrius - 72 cm - Clay, Gilt, Glass, Silk, Silver, Wood - Mid 18th century

This large-sized polychrome sculpture from the 1700s with armour, glass eyes, silk dresses and a silver halo, stands on a giltwood base. Valuable antiques and collectibles. This 18th-century museum sculpture depicting St. Demetrius is extremely rare. The work is made of cold clay, a typical material of the time (it is not earthenware) . The statue rests on a coeval wooden base with pure gold gilding. The fabric and all the other parts are original antique and show signs of ageing, except for the silver halo which is more recent (from the early 1900s) and makes the sculpture even more beautiful and unique. The sculpture has already undergone some conservative restoration work, as hands and back of the head were damaged. The painting has also been retouched in some worn out areas. Origin: Sicily, Italy. Dimensions: 72 x 23 x 18 cm.