Italian, Northern Italy
Saint Christopher, early 16th century
Istrian Stone, 109.2 x 41.9 cm (43 x 16 1/2 in.)
This statue was carved in Istrian stone and it depicts a standing male figure, identified as St. Christopher, dressed in a short tunic with a long cape tied about his neck. A baby sits on his left shoulder, to our right. St. Christopher’s left arm is bent at waist level and his right one is held above his head with his fist clenched as if he was holding a staff that has been broken or lost. He has thick wavy hair and his head is turned slightly to his left, such that he and the child are both looking in the same direction in the distance, with pleasant expressions on their faces. The child wears a loose gown and holds a ball on his lap with his left hand, while he lays his right hand on St. Cristopher’s head.
East, North, And West Cloister
Commentary
Made of Istrian stone, this sculpture of Saint Christopher carrying the Christ Child watches over the North Cloister. Saint Christopher is the patron saint and protector of travelers in Christian religions. According to legend, he carried the Christ Child over a river, and, as a reward, his walking staff turned into a flowering fruit tree. Isabella positioned this statue close to the lush, verdant courtyard—perhaps in reference to his flowery staff.