Saint Corbinian with Bear – Hand-Carved Wooden Statue

Saint Corbinian (c. 670 – 725/730 AD) was a deeply devout French hermit and cleric who served as the first bishop of Freising. He is considered the primary patron saint of the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising and one of the great evangelizers of Bavaria. His most famous depiction shows him alongside a bear carrying a pack of luggage. This noble wooden figure masterfully embodies the taming of the wild through faith, unwavering trust in God, and Bavarian tradition at the highest level of craftsmanship.

Product Features & Iconography

Our wooden statue of Saint Corbinian stands out for its fine and expressive craftsmanship, perfectly capturing the solemn legacy of the holy bishop and the dynamism of his legend:

• The Attributes: Depicted in classic episcopal vestments, complete with a mitre and crosier. At his feet is his unmistakable iconographic attribute: Corbinian's bear, fully loaded with the Saint's travel luggage.

• Premium Material: Carved from durable sycamore maple with a fine grain (for smaller sizes) or from noble linden wood (for medium and large-scale sculptures up to 90 cm).

• Finishes: Available in Natural (untreated wood), Multi-toned (shaded and finished with a protective wax stain), or Hand-painted with Real Gold (decorated by hand with high-quality oil paints and refined gold leaf accents).

• Origin: High-quality traditional art craftsmanship, created to ensure exceptional durability across generations.

Product Details & Specifications

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

When is the feast day of St. Corbinian?

The official liturgical feast day falls on September 8. However, in the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising, the solemnity of the Saint is traditionally celebrated with the great "Corbinian's Festival" on November 20 (the day of the translation of his relics).

What is the meaning behind the legend of Corbinian's bear?

The legend states that during a pilgrimage to Rome through the Alps, Corbinian was attacked by a wild bear that killed his pack horse. As punishment, and through the power of his faith, Corbinian tamed the beast, saddled it, and forced the bear to carry his luggage for the entire remainder of the journey to Rome. Upon arrival, he set the animal free. The bear symbolizes tamed paganism and is featured in both the coat of arms of the city of Freising and the papal coat of arms of Pope Benedict XVI.

What is St. Corbinian the patron saint of?

As the founding bishop of Freising, he is the most important patron saint of Old Bavaria and the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising. Due to his adventurous Alpine crossings, he is also considered the traditional intercessor for protection and safety during travels and hikes.

What is the best way to clean and care for a wooden statue?

To protect this natural product from cracking or warping, the statue should not be placed near direct heat sources (such as radiators) or exposed to intense, direct sunlight. For regular cleaning, a soft, dry brush or a lint-free cloth is more than sufficient. Please do not use liquids or chemical cleaning agents.

Why This Wooden Statue is a Meaningful Addition

This artistically finished wooden sculpture of St. Corbinian makes an ideal and profound gift for a Name Day, an anniversary, or for anyone who feels a strong connection to Bavarian history, the culture of the Alpine region, and Christian tradition. It integrates harmoniously into both classic and modern interiors, adding a timeless, spiritual accent to any room.

Available versions and sizes:

natural Natural wood not treated

stained Stained and treated with pastel paints

stained 3 col. Stained with at least 3 shades of color and treated with pastel paints

color Colored with oil paints and gilded with gold leaf

real gold Colored with acrylic colors on a chalk background and gilded with 18 carat gold