What historical figurative sculptures made from pine have survived to the modern era?
Pine, a softwood known for its workability and durability under the right conditions, has been used for centuries in figurative sculpture. While many ancient wooden artworks have perished due to decay, some remarkable pine sculptures have survived to the modern era. Notable examples include medieval church carvings from Northern Europe, where pine was commonly used for religious statues. The Bäckeberg Horse from Sweden (12th century) and some surviving portions of Norwegian stave church decorations demonstrate pine's longevity when properly maintained. In Japan, certain Shinto shrine carvings in pine have endured for centuries through careful preservation. These surviving works showcase pine's potential as a sculptural medium and offer valuable insights into historical artistic traditions. Their preservation often depended on stable environments, protective coatings like paint or resin, and in some cases, accidental circumstances like burial in oxygen-poor conditions.
