Statuette, St. Matthias.

Statuette, boxwood. Standing bearded figure with short curling hair. The head and body are turned slightly to the right, the left foot forward. In his left hand he holds an open book, his right is missing. He wears a closely fitting tunic under a cloak which falls from his shoulders in heavy folds to the feet, the end being caught up in his belt. The eyes are inlaid with glass beads. In relief on the base S. Matthias. Signed on the base with a mongram of the letters F.V.L.

Purchased under the bequest of Captain H. B. Murray.

Bought with a figure of Saint Simon 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.

This figure came from a group of Christ and the twelve apostles, which has now been dispersed. St Matthias became an apostle after Judas Iscariot betrayed Christ.

A.16-1932