Paul the Apostle

Saint Paul, whose first name was Saul, came from a deeply religious family. He was born in the city of Tarsus in Asia Minor (Anatolia) at the beginning of the first century. He was the most prominent Christian missionary and one of the first theologians of Christianity. In the Western tradition, he was often depicted alone, separate from the Apostle Peter. The full-length sculpture of the Apostle is shown in a contrapposto pose with a book in his left hand. His head is tilted towards his right shoulder, his face is turned upwards with an expression of thought. The face, with its pointed cheekbones and hollow cheeks, is stern and somewhat worried. The saint's head is surrounded by unruly curls of wavy hair and a long beard. The saint's gracefully curving body is covered by a long tunic, over which a himation is thrown. The garment is modelled with deep, monumental folds that descend slowly in vertical strands. The sculpture is characterised by restrained expression and idealisation, while maintaining an emotional image.

Borys Voznytskyi Lviv National Art Gallery