Wooden sculpture - Apostle
Central Europe, 17th century or earlier.
Fruit wood. Size approx. 78mm.
A finely carved wooden miniature depicting one of Jesus' disciples. According to the Bible and Christian tradition, an apostle was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus whom he sent first to the people of Israel, and after his death and resurrection to all the world to proclaim the gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven. In addition to these, some other people who went on missionary work in the early church are also called apostles. The definition of an apostle is vague, but most often the criterion is being a witness to the resurrection of Jesus.
Note! The wooden sculpture is hundreds of years old and has been in frequent use. The sculpture has minor surface defects, dents and wear.
