Lot number 600 - Auction 150
VOLLRUND GEARBEITETE SELTENE UND GETRIEBENE SILBERFIGUR EINES APOSTELS IN DER ART DES RHEIN-MAAS-GEBIETS ODER BURGUND-GEBIETS, UM 1200-1300

FULLY WORKED, RARE AND ENGRAVED SILVER FIGURE OF AN APOSTLE IN THE STYLE OF THE RHINE-MEUSE REGION OR BURGUNDY, AROUND 1200-1300 Silver, embossed, partially ornamentally punched and chased over a solid wooden core. H. 38.5 cm, D. 8 cm. Partially slightly dented, minor age cracks at the transitions, feet and base slightly deformed. This impressive figure of a bearded apostle is made of hammered silver sheet over a wooden core and worked in a fully rounded design. With his mouth open and his gaze slightly raised, the figure appears to be in the act of proclamation - an expression frequently associated in Romanesque and early Gothic art with the moment of preaching or divine inspiration. The apostle wears a richly folded, floor-length robe with ornamentally decorated hems. His right hand holds an ornate book - probably a gospel - which is supported by his left hand. This attribute refers to his role as a bearer of scripture and proclaimer of the divine word. The back of the figure is equally carefully crafted, suggesting that it was intended to be displayed in a circular walkway or in a free-standing position, for example on a rood screen or choir stall. The stylistic combination of block-like posture, finely engraved garment details and expressive face suggests that it was created at the turn of the Romanesque to the early Gothic period. The iconography leaves open whether this is one of the twelve apostles or a representation of an evangelist or church father. The formal quality and noble material underline the liturgical significance and representative character of the figure. Provenance: North German private collection.