Saint Felix with Child 1755

Saint Felix with Child was carved from wood by Johann Georg Pinzel in the mid-18th century. Pinzel was a master of his medium, coaxing incredible expression out of the solid wood. Notice the texture of the sculpture, from the roughly hewn folds of Saint Felix’s robes, to the soft skin of the child he cradles. It is very difficult to carve in wood; it's an unforgiving material. The sculptor had to be very precise. Pinzel used chisels, gouges, and knives to remove material. The work demands not only physical skill, but also a deep understanding of the wood itself, following the grain. Religious sculpture like this would have been commissioned for churches. It speaks to the immense amount of work that went into religious culture in this period. Ultimately, this piece shows that there really isn't a distinction between craft and fine art. This sculpture is profoundly moving, demonstrating the power of skillful making.