ST. JOHN OF NEPOMUK

Description:

South German or Bohemian, mid 18th century.
H. 54,5 cm
Kneeling on a band of clouds, surrounded by putti and winged angels, on a suggested model of the Charles Bridge in Prague. The putto on the left holds his finger in front of his mouth as a symbol of silence, the one on the left holds a book with a lock. Limewood, partly worked in the round, the original polychromy, silvering and gilding partially overpainted, rest. with additions.
South German private collection.
Saint John of Nepomuk was a priest in Prague. According to legend, he refused to break the seal of confession to King Wenceslas IV, who suspected his wife of having confessed an affair to the priest. As punishment, he was toppled from the Charles Bridge in Prague.