St. Paul
Statuette
second half 16th century (made)
second half 16th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This is an alabaster statuette of St. Paul, made in Germany in about 1560-1570. This and its companion piece representing St. Peter (V&A Mus-number 6986-1860) probably formed part of an altarpiece and would have flanked either the Crucifix or the Virgin. Both apostles represent the joint founders of the Christian Church.
Alabaster, a fine grained form of gypsum, is a smooth marble-like stone that was popular for the carving of religious sculpture. Softer than marble, it was much easier to carve and also considerably cheaper.
Alabaster, a fine grained form of gypsum, is a smooth marble-like stone that was popular for the carving of religious sculpture. Softer than marble, it was much easier to carve and also considerably cheaper.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | St. Paul (popular title) |
| Materials and techniques | Alabaster |
| Brief description | Statuette, St Paul, carved alabaster, Germany, second half of the 16th century |
| Physical description | Alabaster statuette of St. Paul holding his sword. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Gallery label | St Paul is depicting holding the sword with which he was executed. As a devotional figure, St Paul is often paired with St Peter either alone or on either side of the Crucifix or the Virgin together, representing the joint founders of the Christian Church.(1993) |
| Object history | Acquired in 1860 for £2. Historical significance: Both apostles represent the joint founders of the Christian Church |
| Historical context | The figures of St Peter and St Paul often flank the Crucifixion or the Virgin. |
| Production | Previously attributed to Peter Visscher, of Nuremburg and dated ca. 1500. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This is an alabaster statuette of St. Paul, made in Germany in about 1560-1570. This and its companion piece representing St. Peter (V&A Mus-number 6986-1860) probably formed part of an altarpiece and would have flanked either the Crucifix or the Virgin. Both apostles represent the joint founders of the Christian Church. Alabaster, a fine grained form of gypsum, is a smooth marble-like stone that was popular for the carving of religious sculpture. Softer than marble, it was much easier to carve and also considerably cheaper. |
| Associated object | 6986-1860 (Ensemble) |
| Bibliographic reference | Inventory of Art Objects Acquired in the Year 1860. In: Inventory of the Objects in the Art Division of the Museum at South Kensington, Arranged According to the Dates of their Acquisition. Vol I. London: Printed by George E. Eyre and William Spottiswoode for H.M.S.O., 1868, p. 42 |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 6987-1860 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | December 16, 2003 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
