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Medieval Sculptures
The Collection van der Velden - Teurlings: Aesthetical with intense meaning and historical value.
Unknown Order Saint Dominic (?). Northern, Western or Central Europe (1260-1390). Oak with remains of several layers of polychromy. Size: 100 x 25 x 20 cm.
This robust saint is very simply carved, with no movement in the figure, and little pleating. In the cloak on the left a series of vertical waves, shallow, to indicate pipefolds. The saint has a long face with pointed chin. The eyebrows and large eyes lie flat in his face. Above the small, protruding, high-set ears, the dark hair of a tonsure is shown as a slightly thicker rim around the head.
RESURRECTED CHRIST. Central Europe (?), 1300-1400. Limewood with remains of several layers of polychromy. Size: 99 x 26 x 19 cm.
The resurrection of Christ is not described in the Bible, but on the Sunday after his entombment, Mary of James, Mary Salome and Mary Magdalene find the tomb empty. An angel tells them that Christ has risen (John 19:38-42, Mark 16:1-8). From the fourth century on, the resurrection is also depicted. Medieval images of the Risen Christ like this one were used in the liturgy around Easter. They were then placed in the Holy Sepulcher in the church and raised through a hole in the vault at Ascension.
SEATED MARY WITH CHILD. Northern or Central Europe (?), 1250-1325. Willow wood, with ancient polychromy. Size: 50 x 30 x 14 cm.
The type of the enthroned Mary with the Christ child in her lap originated originated from the Byzantine Mary type of the Nikopoia (worker of victory). This image type is known in the West known as Sedes Sapientiae (seat of wisdom) and is the most prevalent in Western art from the eighth to the 13th century. From that time on, the affection between mother and child becomes the main motif.
THE REFUSAL OF JOACHIM'S SACRIFICE. Northern Germany, third quarter 15th century. Oak wood, original polychromy. Size: 62 x 50.5 x 12 cm.
Mary's parents, Joachim and Anna, are not mentioned in the Bible, but they are mentioned in the apocrypha (Christian writings that are not part of the canon of the Bible). In them is narrated how the sacrifice of Joachim in the temple in Jerusalem is refused because he and Anna are childless. Joachim then retreats into the wilderness to fast. Both scenes are depicted here.
ANNA AT THREE. Germany, Middle Rhine area (?), last quarter of the 15th century. Hardwood, ancient polychromy. Size: 55.5 x 44 x 20 cm.
The worship of Anna-three, Anna with her daughter Mary and her grandson the Christ child, was in the late Middle Ages widespread. Mother Anna was invoked in cases of childlessness. In this somewhat folksy image, the great Anna sits on a widespread cushion on a bench. She holds the naked Christ child, who steps from her lap onto the hand of the smaller Mary standing on the left. Anna holds his lefthand, her right hand is around his little belly. The Christ child has his hand on Mary's shoulder and she in turn supports it at the top of her back.
CANDLESTICK-CARRYING ANGEL I. Upper Bavaria, surroundings Erasmus Grasser, 1490-1500. Lime wood. Size: 41.5 x 21 x 14 cm.
Although the candlesticks and hands of the now wingless angel were once renewed, they also must have originally stood on an altar left and right with burning candles in their candlesticks. The angel kneels down mirror-like and supports the candlestick on the knee.
CANDLESTICK-CARRYING ANGEL II. Upper Bavaria, surroundings Erasmus Grasser, 1490-1500. Lime wood. Size: 41.5 x 23 x 16 cm.
Although the candlesticks and hands of the now wingless angel were once renewed, they also must have originally stood on an altar left and right with burning candles in their candlesticks. The angel kneels down mirror-like and supports the candlestick on the knee.
Floating Angel I. Germany, circa 1500. Lime wood (?), polychromed. Size: 28 x 31 x 12 cm, 591 gr.
It is clear that this angel was carrying something, but from the arms held parallel, it would seem that this was not a candlestick. These are usually held with one hand at the underside and one hand on the stem. The angel floats upward with outstretched hands. The wings and hands have probably been renewed: these are very graceful, while the rest of the figurine is more crudely elaborated.
Floating Angel II. Germany, circa 1500. Oak wood (?), polychromed. Size: 28 x 28 x 15.5 cm, 758 gr.
It is clear that this angel was carrying something, but from the arms held parallel, it would seem that this was not a candlestick. These are usually held with one hand at the underside and one hand on the stem. The angel floats upward with outstretched hands. The wings and hands have probably been renewed: these are very graceful, while the rest of the figurine is more crudely elaborated.
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