German, Bavaria - Saint Florian, about 1520-1525

German, Bavaria

Saint Florian, about 1520-1525

Polychromed wood (the staff is modern), 157.5 cm (62 in.)

Commentary

This painted wood sculpture depicts Saint Florian, the patron saint of chimney sweeps and firefighters. Clad in full armor, he hold a banner and a bucket which he uses to pour water onto the burning building at his feet--his customary attributes after the middle of the 15th century.