Historical origin of sacred art with bare feet

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TK421

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History/art nerds, I summon you.

What is the earliest time in which sacred art of saints (including the Holy Family) are sometimes depicted in bare feet? Was this in early Christian art or something that came later?

I wanted to buy a St Therese statue and I preferred one with bare feet, but there were none available. A nearby sanctuary, built by the Franciscans, has a lot of antique statues in it (everybody has very pale skin) and the St Therese statue depicts her in bare feet, along with several other statues that do the same (Jesus, Mary, St Michael). I haven’t found any miniature equivalents of it online.

I’m assuming the bare feet symbolizes freedom. (?)
 
Hmmm.
I only recall images of Our Lady with her foot crushing the head of the serpent, but one of my very favorite images is the one of our Lady of Perpetual Help where Baby Jesus in her arms has his little sandal falling off.

I don’t think it means a whole lot, expect is indicative of the period of the work of art.

St. Therese wore shoes. I imagine people would portray her with shoes. 🤷
 
Saints are portrayed in bare feet if they belonged to the New Testament period. If they lived in centuries when wearing of shoes was the norm, they would be depicted in shoes.

I like the connection with freedom though. Bare feet are certainly more free! Maybe that is why our LORD lived life in His bare feet!!! :):)🙂

ICXC NIKA.
 
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