Bust of a Saint in a mandorla

myminifactory

The saint depicted in this relief carving may be Saint John the Evangelist, as he is portrayed without a beard and holding sacred texts. Saint John the Evangelist is credited with authoring many sections of the Bible, which is why he is often shown writing or holding it. The distinctive oval shape of the medallion that encases him is called a 'mandorle', derived from the Italian word for 'almond'. This shape actually corresponds to a mathematical concept, the vesica piscis, first described in Euclid's writings. It has since been employed by Christian artists, evident in illuminated manuscripts, among other examples.