Apostle Group

Flemish/Brabant
Around 1500
Carved oak wood
Original polychromy
Height 37.5 cm, width 12 cm, depth 12.5 cm

This finely crafted oak relief fragment depicts a group of apostles stylistically attributed to the Flanders or Brabant region around 1500. At the center of the relief is an impressive, expressive apostle figure flanked by two other side figures. The precisely carved clothing is an outstanding feature of this work and testifies to the sculptor’s masterful technique. The elaborate drapery of the robes is characteristic of Flemish woodcarving of the time and lends the figures a natural and graceful movement.
The original polychromy is particularly remarkable, making the fragment an exceptional testimony to late Gothic carving. The well-preserved layers of paint emphasize the fine elaboration of the figures and give the scene a lively, dynamic effect. Such relief fragments were often part of larger altarpieces and were used to depict biblical stories.
It is an impressive piece of Gothic sacred art that provides an intimate insight into Flemish sculpture and the religious art of the late Gothic period.