A SPANISH POLYCHROME AND PARCEL-GILTWOOD RELIEF OF SAINT AUGUSTINE

16TH CENTURY

Details

A SPANISH POLYCHROME AND PARCEL-GILTWOOD RELIEF OF SAINT AUGUSTINE
16th Century
The standing saint dressed in an elaborate cope and chasuble, he holds a flaming heart and a walking stick, with a bear wearing a collar and bell at his feet, above a rockwork ground
24in. (85cm.) high, 16in. (42cm.) wide

Lot Essay

The appearance of a tamed bear beside the saint reflects an ancient belief that bear cubs were born shapeless, and were literally licked into shape by the mother bear. This legend became a symbol of Christianity reforming and regenerating heathens. There are therefore a number of individual Saints who were supposed to have tamed bears (see G. Ferguson, Signs & Symbols in Christian Art, Oxford 1954/1981, p.12).