Lot number 15 - Auction 165
THRONENDER BISCHOF HEILIGE VALENTIN MIT KNIENDER FIGUR

ENTHRONED BISHOP SAINT VALENTINE WITH A KNEELING FIGURE Tyrol, early 16th century Spruce wood, carved in relief, polychromed and gilded, flattened on the back. H. 86, W. 66, D. 22 cm. A rare late-Gothic relief depiction of the enthroned bishop with an open book and a male figure lying at his feet, the healed epileptic. Wearing a miter and choir robe, Saint Valentine sits enthroned in a majestic posture; he was one of the most important folk saints, particularly in the Alpine region and in Tyrol. The seated posture, the carefully rendered folds of the robe, and the expressive depiction of the head are characteristic of the high-quality Tyrolean woodcarving of the early 16th century. Condition: some loss of paint, minor chips, partially restored. Provenance: Acquired from Neumeister, Lot 959, Munich, September 15, 1982.