Hape Sculture in Legno is a workshop, based in Italy, that will be already quite familiar to our readers. Their workshop is one which we have featured here many times and as we have pointed out many times, in a modern era that has become absolutely saturated with plaster and resin statues, when it comes to proper ecclesiastical statuary, wood-carved statues, especially polychromed statues, are truly the gold standard in many regards, insofar as they present the images that are not only made from natural materials, but which also present the opportunity to bring them to life with colour and ornament.
Hape Sculpture recently unveiled an image of St. John the Evangelist, the Beloved Disciple, which provides an excellent example, not only of the quality of this workshop's work, but also of the power of this sort of work. Hape offers the following commentary:
It is certainly an impressive and exquisite piece of liturgical art.
St. John beneath the Cross portrayed with a youthful, gentle expression and a quiet sense of devotion. This statue captures him as the faithful companion who stayed close in a moment of sorrow, representing loyalty, compassion, and emotional strength. His delicate features and flowing robes give the figure a calm, almost tender presence, making it a beautiful example of sacred art with a deeply human character.
We couldn't agree more with their assessment, and to truly appreciate the characteristics of which they speak, a closer look at some of the details is certainly in order.
If you'd be interested in learning more or seeing more of their work, we'd invite you to visit their website or find them on social media.
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