Featured Olllllllld wooden St. Anthony statue

Nice quality church statue and likely to be at least 19th century or early 20th century in origin. Maybe carved in Italy but could have been found in most any Catholic church. I would not do anything to modify him. A coat of paste wax would brighten him up and provide some protection.

 

I'm not sure you should proceed this way until all you can find out about this work ...is found out !

And even then.....the prevailing wisdom is to protect him......and not much more.

 

Thank you, gentlemen! Paste wax it is... and maybe a very lightweight lily to sit in that insert in his right hand. I can style something light and tasteful out of parchment paper, I believe.
St. Anthony, the baby Jesus, and I (and Tio Tony, posthumously) thank you!

 

Gilla do not modify(better) it. I find it to be not only sacrillage, but a step against authenticity.
We, as persons cannot be improved. Someone elses work of art should not be messed with, unless its gone and than restored according to documents

 

P.S. I like the statue, and especially the story very much

 

Wow. I appreciate your frankness and passion. Thank you, Mak. I went into this "rescue" way too light-heartedly, and I have definitely had my eyes opened.

 

What a lovely story, Gila. It is nice to hear about someone who really was a 'child of God.'

St. Anthony has been a favorite of mine since second grade when I learned to pray to him when something was lost. I cannot count the number of things he has caused to be located for me. Simplistic? Yes. Try it some time!

Don't repair any part of that lovely statue. If Venus can get along without arms, certainly Jesus can endure missing part of one. It is serendipitous that it came to you, and I hope you find a calm place to put it.

 

Silver... he seems to want to stand by the mantel. I made him a little lily bouquet, and as soon as it dries, I'll perch it in the little slot in his right hand, and post a picture. Everyone has blown me away with their appreciation and encouragement. Thank you with all my heart.
Gila

 

Well, here he is... he'll have to move when my ol' man makes a fire, but he looks good there, I think!

 

YAY!!!!!!

 

YESSSSSS!!!!!!!!!

 

He looks great there G!
Have a photo of Tio to put nearby?

 

That's a great idea... I'll put a search out for one!

 

That is an AMAZING and BEAUTIFUL statue.....I too wouldn't touch it, and would not be surprised to find that it has significant value.....especially given it's history!!! GREAT SAVE Gila!!!!!

 

Thank you!!!! I'm beyond thrilled, plus I have a couple of new buddies to watch television with!
It's YOU GUYS! A few months of learning and experiencing this site and... no way I could pass this statue up!
xoxoxoGila

 

OOOOOOOH......looks like the cross image was "burned" in!!!!!! HOLY!!!!!!

 

*blink blink blink*
Good glory!

 

Somehow, I would attach the history either behind or on the bottom, so it doesn't get lost in the future........it's such an important part of the statue!!

 

Indeed.

 

ClutteredCloset suggested the same thing... and I did... it's in his base, hand-written with good ink on archival paper, put in a baggie, secured with painter's tape.
Great brains... same... you know!