Statue, Saint Eloi - 32 cm - Cast Stone

Beautiful and large statuette depicting Saint Eligius.
Made in the 1990s by the Haenecour Workshop (Belgium)

Saint Éloi (c. 588–660) is an iconic figure in the history of France, famous for being the patron saint of goldsmiths, blacksmiths, and metallurgists.

Talented artisan: Born in Limousin, he learns goldsmithing in Limoges. His reputation soars when he fashions two gold thrones for King Clotaire II using the amount of metal intended for just one, thus proving his absolute honesty.
Having become minister and Grand Treasurer to King Dagobert I, he wields significant influence at the Merovingian court.
Upon the king's death, he takes holy orders and becomes bishop of Noyon and Tournai, where he dedicates himself to evangelization and charity.

Holiday: It is celebrated mainly on December 1.

Protected trades: By extension from the metal trades, it today protects mechanics (notably in the Army), farmers, electricians, and veterinarians.

He is often depicted with an anvil. A famous legend says that he supposedly cut off the leg of a stubborn horse to shoe it more easily, before miraculously reattaching it.

In Belgium and in the north of France, Saint-Éloi remains a very lively workers' and artisanal festival, marked by convivial celebrations within companies and corporations.

(AI-generated)