Goa (Indo-Portuguese)
Polychromed wood
A decorative in the round wood sculpture of Saint John the Baptist standing on a shallow base. John, a shepherd and ascetic, roaming the desert converting Jews in Roman times, is depicted as an ascetic. His face, “wild” hair and long beard, convey a strong determination and sense of purpose, as befits this roaming ascetic, precursor of Jesus, the Saviour. John is the Baptist in the Christian faith as he baptised Christ in the banks of the river Jordan.
Small religious sculptures such as the present one were instrumental in the didactic role of the church. As many local converts were illiterate, religious iconography was important in conveying doctrine and meaning. The present Saint Peter was most likely sculpted by an indigenous artist working under commission from the church authorities or from a local patron motivated by devout feelings.
