Saint Florian

Saint Florian
Upper Austria?
Around 1520/30
Carved wood & polychrome painted
Height 108 cm, width 52 cm, depth 28 cm

St. Florian is one of the most famous martyrs of early Christianity and is today one of the most important patron saints in German-speaking countries, especially in Austria and Bavaria. As an officer in the Roman army, he is said to have suffered martyrdom in the early 4th century under Emperor Diocletian because he professed Christianity and protected persecuted Christians.
The sculpture shown here depicts Florian as a typical Roman soldier: He wears a tall hat, detailed carved armor and a cloak that falls in elegant folds over his shoulders. His long, loose hair is striking and lends the image an almost graceful touch.
In his left hand, he is holding a tub from which he is pouring water over a tower-like, burning building at his feet – an iconographic motif that has been established since the late Middle Ages. It refers to a legend in which Florian was able to extinguish a burning house through his prayer, which later made him the patron saint of the fire department.

St. Florian embodies courage, readiness to protect and intercession in danger. As a patron saint against fire, but also against storms, drought and war, he was venerated in numerous churches, chapels and public spaces in the late Middle Ages and early modern times. This impressive sculpture combines popular piety with high-quality woodcarving and shows Florian in his characteristic role as a mild, energetic helper in times of need.