Santibelli antique religious statuette w/ snake and apple 12½"

This sculpted and hand-painted terracotta statuette of Eve with a serpent holding an apple at her feet depicts a scene alluding to the events before The Fall as described in Christian faith. This figure was made in Marseille, France, in the nineteenth century most likely by Italians who lived there at the time. The serpent holding the apple represents the temptation of sin in the form of the forbidden fruit. An apple can also represent overcoming original sin, often depicted as a snake with an apple in its mouth. The beautifully decorated green base is gilded at the corners with an orange-red circular accent in the center. This figure make wonderful addition to a collection of symbolic antique decorations. 

 

Note timeworn nature of paint as seen in photos.

Similar pieces may be available for separate purchase here.