Eastern France, 14th century, probably St. Etienne(St. Stephen). Carved limestone.
Dressed in a dalmatic the traditional vestment of a deacon and cut in the shape of a cross. It is said to symbolise joy, justice and salvation. There were originally seven deacons of the early church, including
lawrence, leonard and Stephen who were appointed by the Apostles to distribute food and charity to the community.
Stephen, the first of the Christian martyrs, is usually depicted as a young, beardless man with a tonsure, wearing a dalmatic and often holding a book or the martyr’s palm.
The tightly curled hair framing the broad face with almond shaped eyes are typical of carving from Eastern France.
87 cm high
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