Saint Anthony of Padua 1685 - 1715

This polychrome wood sculpture, "Saint Anthony of Padua," was created by Spanish sculptor Pedro de Mena between 1685 and 1715. Saint Anthony, known for his piety and eloquence, is depicted in his Franciscan habit, holding a book and a rosary. Mena, a prominent Baroque sculptor, rendered Saint Anthony with a lifelike realism, capturing the saint's thoughtful expression and the intricate details of his clothing. This small-scale sculpture, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, exemplifies Mena's masterful craftsmanship and the devotional nature of Baroque religious art.