Figure of a saint in bronze, late 15th century southern Netherlands

Bronze Saint figure from the late fifteenth or early sixteenth century, Southern Netherlands perhaps Dinant

This large bronze figure is built in three parts, on the one hand the body of the saint, and on the other hands, secured by rivet. The left hand holding the scepter is present, though the scepter is broken. The right hand is missing, with its attribute that would have allowed a better attribution. The saint is represented veiled and wearing a guimpe, but it can not be a Virgin of Calvary because of the presence of a scepter, and an attribute.

The statuette is hollow, pierced at the top and hollow at the base. This corresponds to the assembly of large brass chandeliers with a top figure or figure in a tabernacle, called kaarsenkroon in Dutch or Tabernakelkronleuchter in German. Very few copies of these candlesticks have been preserved until today. Several figures of angels, virgins and saints are kept in the great museums. We can compare our statuette with the figure of St Nicolas preserved at the Rijksmuseum (RBK 18898).

Dimensions: H: 29,5 cm - width : 11,5 cm - depth: 8,5 cm Bronze formerly gilded or varnished
Southern Netherlands, maybe Dinant
Provenance: French collection

Litterature : koper & Brons, Rijksmuseum 1986