This is a flanking figure from a group, probably in a small retable altar. Its pose demands a principal figure to its right, to which it inclines its head.
The figure is carved from one piece of wood, and the back has been slightly hollowed out.
Physical description
This figure of a bishop stands in cope, dalmatic and alb, with jewelled gloves and mitre, holding a book by the cover of the binding in his right hand; in his left a crozier.
Place of Origin
ulm, Germany (possibly, made)
Date
ca. 1470 - ca. 1480 (made)
Artist/maker
unknown (production)
Materials and Techniques
Carved limewood
Dimensions
Height: 121.9 cm, Width: 36 cm, Depth: 18 cm
Object history note
Bought from J. Rosenbaum, Frankfurt-am-Main for £112 3s. 10d.
Historical significance: This figure is representative of a very large class of sculptures produced in and around Ulm by craftsmen under the influence of Hans Multscher (c. 1400-1467).
Historical context note
This is a flanking figure from a group, probably in a small retable altar. Its pose demands a principal figure to its right, to which it inclines its head.
Descriptive line
Statue, limewood, of a Bishop Saint, German, Swabia, porbably Ulm), ca. 1470-80
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
List of Works of Art Acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum in the Years 1905 - 1908. In: List of Works of Art Acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum, During the Year 1908, Arranged According to the Dates of Acquisition with Appendix and Indices. London: Printed for His Majesty's Stationery Office, by Eyre and Spottiswoode, Limited, 1909, p. 22
Baxandall, Michael. South German Sculpture, 1480-1530. VAM, London, 1974, No. 2
Jopek, Norbert. German Sculpture 1430-1540, A Catalogue of the Collection in the Victoria and Albert Museum. London, 2002, p. 70, cat.no. 25.
Labels and date
Bishop Saint
About 1470-80
This figure was probably originally part of a small altarpiece, where it flanked the figure of the Virgin Mary together with another saint. It shows traces of its original colour, together with some later overpaint. Apart from the right hand, book bag and staff, it is made from one piece of wood.
Germany, Ulm
Limewood with trace of paint
Museum no. 111-1908
Production Note
Swabian; formerly ascribed to be made in Tyrol (Austria)
Materials
Limewood
Techniques
Carving
Subjects depicted
Bishop
Categories
Sculpture; Religion
Collection code
SCP
