Stock No: 4226

A tall 18th century finely carved wood and polychrome figure of the Bohemian saint St. John Nepomuk(1345-1393). He was purportedly the confessor to the Queen of Bohemia and at the request of King Wenceslaus(1361-1419), King of the Romans and Bohemia, was drowned in the Vltava River in Prague for refusing to divulge the secrets of the confessional. Nepomuk is also believed to be the protector against floods and troubled waters and is considered a patron saint of bridges.
Bohemian, early 17th century but could possibly be earlier. (a/f)

Notes: Not the "Good King Wenceslaus"(907-935) of legend who is sung about in the carol of the same name whose life was based on the life of the historical Saint Wenceslaus I, Duke of Bohemia or Svatý Václav in Czech.

Link to: Antique sculptures, carvings, bronzes, plaques and tablets