Stone Sculpture of Saint Nicholas, 19th Century

Particularly celebrated in Alsace and Lorraine on December 6th, Saint-Nicolas is often considered an equivalent of Santa Claus, a gentle character and protector of children, and for good reason! His legend has it that he brought to life three small children killed and transformed into salted meat by a butcher! This unpleasant gastronomic experience made him the patron saint of children and schoolchildren who, in the 19th century – the time when our sculpture was created – doubtless relied on him to grow up without too many problems.