An early carved wooden sculpture of St. John Nepomuk, the saint of Bohemia (circa 1345 – 1393), 17th/18th century. St. Nepomuk drowned in the Vltava river at the behest of Wenceslaus IV of Bohemia for refusing to divulge the secrets of the confessional. Because of this, today he is known as the protector from floods and drowning. On the 300th anniversary of the saint's death, it became the basis for the carvings of statues of St. John Nepomuk, all across Europe. It is believed this statue was carved within this17th century time period. Traces of an old finish exist, missing the ends of 2 fingers from his right hand, the left hand is missing, but overall a fine carving with good detail and in good condition. It measures 18"H x 8"H x 5"deep. Note that the base is carved from the same piece of wood as the sculpture.