German, Bavaria
Saint Lawrence (?), about 1510-1520
Polychromed and gilded lindenwood, 58.5 cm (23 1/16 in.)
This wooden statue of a light-skinned Saint Lawrence shows the saint facing forward, gazing slightly to our right. The right hand extends downward and holds a book, while the left hand is at waist height, formed into a gentle fist. The hair is painted dark brown and styled in a tonsure, with a fringe at the front, sides, and back. The face is painted in a pale flesh tone with red accents in the right cheek and lips. The saint wears a gilded robe that falls just above the feet, although much of the gilding appears to have worn off. Underneath is a tunic of dark brown. The book in the saint's right hand is painted dark red. The figure stands on a roughly carved pedestal that appears to have been painted ochre or gilded at one time.
Chapel
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.