St. Paul (?)

Abstract

The statue of Saint Paul (?), currently located on the left side of the mannerist altar finial of Saint Nicholas in the church in Paczółtowice is a work not recorded in the sources, so it is difficult to determine its history. The sculpture was probably created in the 18th century and does not constitute the original element of the above-mentioned reredos. Such dating of the work is supported by the expression with which the figure of the saint was depicted, in particular the extended proportions of the face, dynamic pose, gestures and deep, sharp shaping of the folds of the robes. In the iconography, Saint Paul is most often depicted as a mature, dark-haired man with a lush, long beard and thinning hair over his forehead. His attribute is a sword reminiscent of martyrdom and a book - Paul is considered the author of 13 letters, which are part of the New Testament. In the case of the sculpture in question, the figure holds a book that could identify Saint Paul, however, the second attribute is missing - the sword. Moreover, the saint rests his left foot on the rock, which rather points to the person of Saint Peter. The Greek word πέτρα (petra) means rock. From the Gospel of Saint Matthew we know that Christ was to address Peter with the words: "And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Mt 18, 18). Also, the physiognomic type of the figure indicates that the statue in question represents Saint Peter: short, curly beard and clear baldness on top of his head. The right hand of the statue was positioned in such a way that it is almost certain that in this place there was originally an attribute that has not been preserved until today – most probably keys.