German, Swabia, early 16th century

Overall the condition is good with dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The sculpture was stripped off of a layer of polychromy. There is some stable splitting consistent with the material, including a split knot to the buttocks. There is worming visible on the surface consistent with the material, leading to some losses around the base. Some worming and splitting has been filled. The lower arms of the sculpture were carved separately and quartered in, as were the flames coming from the building. Two sections on the base were replaced and one further reattached. There are three repairs to the edge of the hat. There is a minor loss to the top of the head. There is a hole to the centre of the base. The lance has been replaced.
"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."

St. Florian is represented here in an idealised manner which, although not often associated with late Gothic wood sculpture now, was current throughout South Germany around 1500. Imbuing saints with youthful beauty illustrated their Christian innocence and virtuousness while the sculptor, much like his Italian counterparts, showcased his control over nature. Master woodcarvers such as Michel and Gregor Erhart, Veit Stoss and Nikolaus Weckmann all experimented freely with idealisation as opposed to realism or caricature. The facial features of St. Florian compare to those of a Bust of St. Vitus associated with Jörg Syrlin the Younger, which was exhibited in New York in 1968 (op.cit.).

Saint Florian is the patron saint of firefighters, soapmakers and chimneysweeps. Particularly in the former capacity he was widely venerated in Germany and Austria. Florian was a Roman soldier, who next to his military responsibilities organised a fire brigade in the Roman town of Aelium Cetiumin, in modern day Upper Austria. He was drowned when he refused to persecute Christians in his district. Like most soldier saints, Florian is usually represented in elaborate Gothic armour. He is identifiable by the pail with which he pours water on a burning house or castle.

RELATED LITERATURE
C. Gómez-Moreno, Medieval art from private collections, exh. cat. The Cloisters, New York, 1968, no. 63