Deacon Holding a Book

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.

Conservation

Date	Description	Narrative
12/31/1969	Technical Report	other
12/13/1957	Treatment	cleaned; repaired; loss compensation
6/14/1966	Treatment	cleaned
6/23/1971	Treatment	cleaned
11/14/1984	Treatment	cleaned
4/26/1990	Examination	examined for condition
5/17/1993	Treatment	other

Exhibitions

• Religious Art of the Western World. Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas. 1958.
• Illuminated Manuscripts: Masterpieces in Miniature. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. 1984-1985.

Provenance Henry Walters, Baltimore [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.

Credit Acquired by Henry Walters