St Simon

Physical description

Statuette, boxwood. Standing figure with curling hair and beard, the head turned slightly to the left. In his left hand he carries a large book, his right is missing. The heavy cloak is drawn over the right shoulder, across the body and held under his right forearm. The eyes are inlaid with glass beads. Inscribed in relief on the base S. Simon.

Place of Origin

Holland (made)

Date

1610-1650 (made)

Artist/maker

van Loo, François (maker)

Materials and Techniques

Boxwood, glass

Marks and inscriptions

S. SIMON Saint Simon
F.v.L.

Dimensions

Height: 16.5 cm

Object history note

Bought with a figure of Saint Matthias from the Antique Art Galleries for £52. 10s 0d. with A.16-1932. These figures were once part of a series of twelve Apostles, with Christ. Other figures are held in several European museums and private collections. At least one other such series seems to survive from the hand of the same artist.

Descriptive line

Statuette, boxwood, St Simon.

Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)

Oldenburgh, R. 'Die Plastik im Umkreis von Rubens'. Jahrbuch dre Preuss. Kunsts. XL. 1919. p.17.
cf. Bange, E.F. Doe Bildwerke des Deutschen Museums. IV. Kleinplastik. pp.109-111.
Eberhaudtf, S. Bildwerke von 1600-1800. Cologne. 1996. pp.16-17.
van Doorslaer, G. 'Sculptres en buis executes a Malines au XVII siecle' in Revue Belge d'Archéologie et d'Histoire de L'art. IX. 1939-1. pp.317-331.

Labels and date

ST SIMON and ST MATTHIAS
Flemish; about 1610-1650
Boxwood, signed
Purchased under the Bequest of Captain H. B. Murray