How are religious wooden figures cleaned?

Dust accumulated on these delicate carvings requires only a soft, dry brush. Moisture and liquid cleaning products must be avoided entirely to protect aged wood and fragile polychrome surfaces. Professional intervention should be sought for any structural repairs or flaking paint. Keeping pieces away from direct sunlight and sudden humidity changes preserves the timber.

Where were these figures originally displayed?

Many larger sculptures stood within churches, abbeys, and private chapels as focal points for prayer. Life-size saints and altarpiece figures commanded devotional spaces across Europe and Asia. Smaller seated Madonnas and devotional busts served private contemplation within domestic domestic settings. Over centuries, these sacred objects transitioned into collections and secular interiors.

How can I identify the age?

Dating relies on stylistic markers within the carving, such as the gothic severity of drapery versus baroque dynamism. Tool marks and the choice of timber also point toward specific regional workshops and centuries. Secondary evidence like gesso composition and remaining pigment layers help confirm the period. Comparing known regional forms aids in narrowing down the exact century of production.

What does polychrome mean?

Polychrome describes wood sculpture finished with multiple colours of paint. Artisans applied pigment over a gesso ground to render robes, skin tones, and hair with vivid realism. Surviving traces of this paint layer offer vital clues regarding the original appearance and age of the piece. Over time, genuine early paint develops a stable craquelure pattern.

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Religious Wooden Figure

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These carved pieces transport centuries of devotion directly into a room, offering tactile presence through timber and pigment.

Early Ecclesiastical Carved Wood Statue of Saint John with Eagle. Circa 1750.

18th century

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Early Ecclesiastical Carved Wood Statue of Saint John with Eagle. Circa 1750.

From Dragoncharger Antiques

£975

FOR SALE

sculptures

19th century

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19th Century Hand Carved Italian Santos Processional Figure

From The House of Antiques

£2,650

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

19th century

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Antique Temple Deity

From The Ark Stores

£180

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

16th century

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Early 16th Century Flemish Carved Group

From Pearse Lukies Antiques Ltd

£2,400

FOR SALE

sculptures

An Ecclesiastical Italian Carved Olive Wood Figure Group of Mary, Joseph and Jesus

19th century

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An Ecclesiastical Italian Carved Olive Wood Figure Group of Mary, Joseph and Jesus

From Robert Belcher Antiques

£495

FOR SALE

sculptures

An Antique Distressed Carved Wood and Polychromed Figure of Quan Yin

19th century

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An Antique Distressed Carved Wood and Polychromed Figure of Quan Yin

From Gerard Robinson Fine Art and Antiques

£485

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

19th century

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Pair of 19th Century Italian Alters Love Angels

From The House of Antiques

£3,950

FOR SALE

sculptures

15th Century Gothic Carved Oak Statue – Virgin of the Annunciation

Pre 16th century

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15th Century Gothic Carved Oak Statue – Virgin of the Annunciation

From Treaders Collectables

£45,000

FOR SALE

sculptures

16th century

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A 16th Century Carved Bust of St. Jude

From Oliveri Antiques Ltd

£3,750

FOR SALE

sculptures

A Pair of Very Interesting Carved Wood Folk Art Figures of a Male and Female

19th century

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A Pair of Very Interesting Carved Wood Folk Art Figures of a Male and Female

From Gerard Robinson Fine Art and Antiques

£485

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

Several figures quietly moonlight as Spanish capipotes, built with hidden wooden frameworks specifically designed to wear tiny tailored velvet trousers.

Pair of Gothic Carved Oak Saints, St John and Virgin , Germany, Circa 1500

Pre 16th century

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Pair of Gothic Carved Oak Saints, St John and Virgin , Germany, Circa 1500

From Treaders Collectables

£10,000

FOR SALE

sculptures

16th century

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Late Medieval Sculpture of St Catherine

From Martin Murray Antiques

£4,850

FOR SALE

sculptures

Rare and Documented Collection of Five Figures by Franz Keller (1873-1946)

1900 - 1920

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Rare and Documented Collection of Five Figures by Franz Keller (1873-1946)

From Gillers Antiques Ltd

£6,000

FOR SALE

sculptures

19th century

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Monumental 19th-century Chinese Temple Guardian (Zhenwu), Gilt & Polychrome Wood

From Gillers Antiques Ltd

£1,950

FOR SALE

sculptures

19th century

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19th Century Unusual Folk Art Model

From The House of Antiques

£725

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

Superb Pair 17th French Century Limewood Putti

17th century

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Superb Pair 17th French Century Limewood Putti

From Timberhill Gallery

£8,850

FOR SALE

sculptures

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Religious Wooden Figure

Early Ecclesiastical Carved Wood Statue of Saint John with Eagle. Circa 1750.

19th Century Hand Carved Italian Santos Processional Figure

Antique Temple Deity

Early 16th Century Flemish Carved Group

An Ecclesiastical Italian Carved Olive Wood Figure Group of Mary, Joseph and Jesus

An Antique Distressed Carved Wood and Polychromed Figure of Quan Yin

Pair of 19th Century Italian Alters Love Angels

15th Century Gothic Carved Oak Statue – Virgin of the Annunciation

A 16th Century Carved Bust of St. Jude

A Pair of Very Interesting Carved Wood Folk Art Figures of a Male and Female

Pair of Gothic Carved Oak Saints, St John and Virgin , Germany, Circa 1500

Late Medieval Sculpture of St Catherine

Rare and Documented Collection of Five Figures by Franz Keller (1873-1946)

Monumental 19th-century Chinese Temple Guardian (Zhenwu), Gilt & Polychrome Wood

19th Century Unusual Folk Art Model

Superb Pair 17th French Century Limewood Putti

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