An important work of Bory Jenő’s ecclesiastical sculpture is the statue of Saint Vincent, made in 1920. The work represents one of the best-known saints of the Catholic Church, traditionally regarded as the patron saint of vine growers and wine producers.
The composition depicts Saint Vincent standing. Beside the figure is a child, alluding to the saint’s caring and protective role. In treating religious subjects, Bory Jenő often sought to present saints not as inaccessible, exalted figures, but as personalities close to humanity. The relationship between the child and the saint makes the composition intimate and immediate. The sculpture’s modelling is characterised by a calm stance, restrained gestures and simply arranged folds of drapery. The work is a fine example of Bory Jenő’s classicising approach, in which balanced proportions and a comprehensible, lucid composition played an important part. The work does not depend on dramatic effect, but emphasises the saint’s moral authority and humanity.
The original limestone statue, 220 centimetres high, can be seen in Budapest on the façade of the Parish Church of Saint Vincent de Paul, at the corner of Haller utca and Mester utca. Placed beneath the building’s rose window, the statue is organically integrated into the church’s architectural design and is a defining decorative feature of the façade.
A plaster version of the work can be seen at Bory Castle. This example enables visitors to study more closely the details of the composition and the formal characteristics of Bory Jenő’s ecclesiastical sculpture.