A sculpture of rare spiritual intensity, dedicated to Saint Ignatius of Antioch, one of the Church Fathers and among the most revered martyrs of early Christianity. The figure of the Bishop, clad in richly decorated liturgical vestments—mitre, crozier, and olive-green robes with gold borders—is accompanied by a lion's head, a powerful and direct symbol of his martyrdom.
According to tradition, Ignatius of Antioch was condemned by Emperor Trajan and transported to Rome, where he was thrown to wild beasts in the Colosseum around 107 AD. He himself, in his famous letters written during his journey to martyrdom, described himself as "God's wheat, ground by the teeth of wild beasts to become pure bread of Christ." The lion thus became his quintessential iconographic attribute, a symbol not of death but of unwavering faith and total offering to God.
The contemplative face of the Saint, framed by a white beard and hair, conveys the inner peace of one who embraced martyrdom with joy. The books at his feet recall his doctrinal magisterium and the letters that still stand as pillars of Christian theology today.
Dolfi's craftsmanship quality is evident in every detail. Available in colored, natural, and three shades of brown finishes, this sculpture is crafted from maple wood for sizes up to 56 cm and linden wood for larger dimensions, following the centuries-old tradition of Val Gardena carvers.
- Subject: Saint Ignatius of Antioch with lion's head
- Symbol: martyrdom in the Colosseum (Rome, ~107 AD)
- Material: maple wood (up to 56 cm) or linden (over 56 cm)
- Finish: colored, natural, or three shades of brown
- Technique: hand carving and painting, Val Gardena
