17th Century Carved Wood Silver Gilt Polychrome Figure of Saint John.
 
Large Saint John the Evangelist figure created in the workshop of Franz Matthias Hiernle in Mainz, Germany. The superbly carved and highly decorated slender figure, in an elegant and balanced posture with one foot forward, is wrapped in a decorative cloak. The perfect anatomical study and the balance between the dynamic movement throughout the drapery, identifies this work as by the great sculptor and representative of the “Central Rhine variant” of Baroque sculpture in Mainz. This Saint John carving presents all the characteristics of the style of Hiernle. The expression of the body of the Saint introduces the feeling in the face. The hollowed back also shows the mark of the master.
Franz Matthias Hiernle (1677-1732) introduced an ornamental figural Baroque style of the 17th century. He was employed as Court Sculptor by the Archbishop Elector Franz von Schoenborn of Mainz, for whom he made a number of Statues. He also executed sculpture for the Cathedral of Mainz.
The statue is labeled in the back with the name of the artist. The condition is good.
Wear consistent with age and use. Polychrome is refreshed. 
 
Reference / Literature
Ernst Neeb, Verzeichnis der Kunstdenkmaeler der Stadt Mainz. 
Nicole Beyer, Skulpturen des 17. Und 18. Jahrhundert in Landesmuseum Mainz
 
Measurements: H 35” x W 20” x D 12”