Where were these statues originally displayed?

Many originated as central figures in altarpieces, church niches, or monastic chapels. Others were created for domestic devotional shrines in homes. Their scale and format depended on this intended placement, ranging from life-size figures to intimate tabletop devotional carvings.

How should I care for a carved wooden sculpture?

Keep wooden figures away from direct sunlight and sources of heat to prevent the timber from drying out and cracking. Maintain a stable indoor humidity. Dust gently with a soft, dry brush and avoid using liquid cleaners or polishes that might damage fragile historic paint surfaces.

What does polychrome mean on a wooden statue?

Polychrome refers to the multi-coloured paint decoration applied directly over the carved wood or a gesso ground. Artists used it to create lifelike skin tones and rich garment colours. Surviving traces of original polychrome add historical and visual depth to antique sculptures.