Description
This deacon (identified by his collar and tunic), from the order of clergy just below the priest, holds an open Gospel book, from which he would have read aloud during mass. The statue may represent the deacon Eleutherius, companion of St. Denis; they were martyred together near Paris about 275.
We cannot make out the shape of his body under the heavy cloth-as one might in an Italian statue-but the swaying lines of the folds and the tilt of the man's head indicate that his weight is on his left leg, a graceful, natural stance. This is complemented by realistic details such as his bare toes. Originally the statue was painted, enhancing the naturalistic impression.
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