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 |
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| Gallery label |
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| 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 |
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| Record created | December 16, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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