Saint Catherine of the Lower Rhine, 15th Century, Beech

Details

Description

Wooden sculpture depicting saint catherine of alexandria

origin: lower rhine or southern tyrol
late 15th century (circa 1480)

linden wood … Read more Wooden sculpture depicting saint catherine of alexandria

origin: lower rhine or southern tyrol
late 15th century (circa 1480)

linden wood (single trunk, hollowed back), traces of polychromy on the reverse

height: 105 cm

provenance: bonhams, london, new bond street, auction june 23, 2021, lot 2, estimate £12,000-£18,000

the wooden sculpture in question, depicting an elegant full-length saint elizabeth, is the work of a master sculptor of gothic heritage, active towards the end of the 15th century. The saint, alluding to her noble origins as a princess, appears crowned with a jeweled headdress resting on her long, flowing hair, and appears refined and elegant yet with a hieratic attitude.

the sumptuous robes that envelop her figure are noteworthy, consisting of a sophisticated bodice at the waist, crafted with a motif reminiscent of brocade fabric, and embellished with a vertical band studded with precious stones.

the holy queen is then wrapped in a cloak placed over her shoulders and tied at the chest with a knot, a decorative detail with symbolic value that, in all likelihood, could be a reference to her union with christ or her spiritual bond.

her left hand supports the richly folded and draped skirt, while her right hand, now missing, perhaps once held a scepter or a book, or was simply held as a sign of blessing.

with its elegant design, this sculpture, evoking the canons of the french gothic tradition, will capture the admiration of any enthusiast of ancient sculpture, certainly for its ideal beauty but also for the strength and solemnity it conveys.

the quality of the work and the richness of its details, particularly the intricately carved wooden draperies, allow it to be compared to the rich sculptural production typical of the lower rhine region (or, as previously suggested, although less likely, southern tyrol), which, from the 14th to the 15th centuries, became one of the major centers of sculptural art.

our artist drew inspiration from italian and, above all, flemish renaissance culture; his style is therefore a personal synthesis of these two influences with french gothic art.

speaking of flemish influences, the work echoes the magnificent statue of the same subject, now housed at the museum catharijneconvent in utrecht, a late 15th-century work by the master of leende (see image in detail, https://adlib.catharijneconvent.nl/details/collect/42290). Typical of flemish art are the sumptuous robes with heavy pleats, rounded egg-shaped heads, eyes with almond-shaped lids, thick, widely spaced locks of hair, and a subtle attention to detail.

this work of exceptional sculptural quality is presented in good condition for its period, with a splendid burnished patina; some imperfections are appropriate for its age.

additional information:

the work is sold with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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