152: AN EARLY 19C. FOLK ART CERVICAL EFFIGY OF JOHN WESLEY

Small 18th and early 19th century sculptures like this are typically identified as being a likeness of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism and a strict temperance advocate. The strange part is the medium: a painted oxen or horse vertebra, probably cervical. Painting portions of large animal skeletal structure was, apparently, at one point, not uncommon. How it was determined to be ideal for depicting a priest with his arms up and flowing robes behind is not known.
Figure measures 5 x 3.75 x 3.25 and the globe on stand is 8.5 x 5.5 inches.
Very good condition as shown. The glass dome display is included.
$200 - $250