Spanish, Aragón, 18th century

Overall the condition of the saint is very good. There are some minor losses and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are some traces of worming to the sleeve of the left arm and around the base. Two fingers on the right hand and the masts and rigging of the ship have been lost.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This highly expressive wood sculpture with estofado decoration most likely represents Saint Vincent of Saragossa, a deacon believed to have suffered martyrdom under Emperor Diocletian in 304 A.D. The ship, which he holds in his left hand, is amongst his traditional attributes, since according to his legend the saint's lifeless body was thrown into the sea. He therefore became a patron of sailors. In his raised hand he originally must have held a palm branch as a symbol of his martyrdom. The centers of Saint Vincent's cult were Valencia, Saragossa, and Lisbon. The angular, broken folds of the dalmatic and alb are comparable to the work of José Ramirez de Arellano (1705-1770), who was active in Saragossa and is considered the leading aragonese sculptor of his century.

RELATED LITERATURE
J. L. Morales, 'El escultor José Ramírez', Goya, 128 (1975)