Statue of Saint James from the 15th century Burgundy

The body with its massive frame, the importance of the hands and the face give this sculpture the characteristics of the Burgundian models from the beginning of the 15th century, when the works of Claus Sluter served as a reference.
This is a representation of Saint James, son of Zebedee and Salome, and brother of John.
Tradition calls him James "the Major" to differentiate him from another apostle who bears the same first name, James known as "the Minor", son of Alphaeus.
The Saint is represented in his most traditional image which is that of the pilgrim dressed in a long coat, a wide-brimmed hat and holding in his right hand the staff (staff) which served as a weapon against dangers, of sapling for collecting fruit, for support while walking.
The left hand holds the Gospels, attributes of the apostles of Jesus Christ of whom he was one of the first four disciples chosen with John, Andrew and Peter.
The fullness of the garment, which falls in broken folds, highlights the gestures.
The emaciated face, with high cheekbones and pronounced eyebrow arches, is extended by an abundant beard in tight curls. The long, wavy hair falls over the shoulders.
This sculpture is imbued with a strong expression and offers us a representation of the Saint in a dimension that is both realistic and mystical.

Dimensions
H. 65 cm x L. 27 cm x D. 21 cm
Height with base: 68 cm

France – Burgundy
Walnut
15th century