This figure is clearly St John the Evangelist. The beardless face, long curling hair and general posture are typical features of this particular saint. He would once have held either a book or chalice (cup) in his covered left hand. The sculptor made the right hand separately and joined it to the figure's forearm with a dowel. It was probably extended, palm open, in a blessing gesture.
This figure was probably made for an apostelbalk or rood-beam that supports the rood or cross in a church. The apostelbalk includes a figure of Christ as the saviour of the world at the centre and with the twelve apostles to each side. It is possible that this figure once stood to the right of a Crucifixion, with the Virgin on the left. Although such figures are often shown looking up towards the crucified Christ, this is not always the case.