Apostle
Belgian
Description
March 28, 2009
This gravely expressive apostle originally decorated a church interior as part of a larger sculptural ensemble that probably included other apostles and religious figures. The artist parades his virtuosity in the undulating folds that cascade down the front of the apostle and complement the luxuriant waves of hair and beard that frame his face. This skillful carving of the figure’s front, however, contrasts with the rougher finish visible on the back. The lack of finish was a cost-cutting measure and indicates that the sculpture was created for a niche—its back would have remained unseen. The steep incline of the figure’s head and its relatively large size also suggest that the figure must have been placed above eye-level. These adjustments to the figure’s pose and anatomy were calculated to counteract the effects of viewing the sculpture from below, which could make the head and hands seem smaller and thereby diminish the figure’s expressive force.
Subject Matter:
This standing apostle, produced in the Belgian city of Liege, formerly stood in the interior of a church, where he would have appeared in a niche above eye level as part of a larger sculptural ensemble that probably included the other apostles and religious figures.
Physical Description:
This marble statue depicts a standing male figure, who holds a closed book in his left hand and makes what appears to be a gesture indicating speech with his right. The curls of his flowing beard and long hair are echoed in the gentle curving folds and undulating edges of his long robe and mantle. He turns his head downward and to his left
Usage Rights:
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