This extraordinary sculpture of Saint Matthias the Apostle captures a moment of profound reflection and dynamism. The work, entirely hand-carved and painted, portrays the bearded and powerful figure in a slightly unbalanced pose, as if about to take a step, imbuing the statue with a sense of life and movement. The Saint is depicted with an axe, a symbol of his martyrdom.
The chromatic contrast is vibrant and refined: the dark brown of the tunic combines with olive green, while the cloak is rendered in an intense terracotta red and embellished with sumptuous drapery in brilliant gold, created with a shiny, metallic finish that suggests the use of precious gilding. This attention to detail extends to the accurate modeling of the folds of the garments and the serene and contemplative face of the Saint.
In line with the ancient Dolfi sculptural tradition, the material is carefully chosen based on its size: this masterpiece is made of maple wood for sizes up to 56cm and linden wood for larger sizes. Each sculpture is oil-painted, enhancing the natural grain of the wood and guaranteeing a unique piece of authentic Val Gardena craftsmanship.
