How do I identify the saint?

Look for traditional attributes held in the hands or positioned near the figure, such as keys for Saint Peter, a skull for Saint Jerome, or a dog with a loaf of bread for Saint Roche. Inscriptions on the base or remaining fragments of medieval text sometimes name the subject directly, though many figures lose these identifiers over centuries of relocation.

Are these statues meant for outdoor display?

These works are strictly interior pieces intended for stable household environments away from direct sunlight, dampness and central heating radiators. Historic wood and gesso react poorly to fluctuations in humidity, which can cause timber to split and fragile painted surfaces to flake away.

Why do some figures lack paint?

Many statues were either created as bare wood studies or had their polychrome layers stripped during later centuries when tastes favoured exposed timber. Natural ageing and handling by generations of worshippers have also worn away surface pigments, leaving the bare oak or limewood exposed.

How do I tell an old carving from a copy?

Examine the tool marks left on the reverse and base, looking for the irregular impressions of hand-driven chisels rather than smooth modern machine routing. Inspect the grain for dry shrinkage cracks, oxidisation of the timber, and consistency in the wear patterns that indicate genuine age.