St Paul
Statue
ca.1480 (made)
ca.1480 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Terracotta sculpture in Germany was often produced using moulds, so that several copies could be made. This figure was probably placed high up on a pier or pilaster of a church, hence the downward glance.
St Paul (born Saul) was converted to Christianity on the road to Damascus when the voice of God challenged him for persecuting Christians. The book in his left hand refers to his preaching of the Christian faith to the Gentiles. He was often paired with St Peter, as they were considered to have founded the Christian church together.
St Paul (born Saul) was converted to Christianity on the road to Damascus when the voice of God challenged him for persecuting Christians. The book in his left hand refers to his preaching of the Christian faith to the Gentiles. He was often paired with St Peter, as they were considered to have founded the Christian church together.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | St Paul (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Painted terracotta |
| Brief description | Statue, painted terracotta, St. Paul, South Germany, Bavaria (Landshut), ca. 1480 |
| Physical description | Figure of St Paul, his beard styled in to two cone shapes. |
| Dimensions |
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| Object history | Bought from the Colli brothers, Innsbruck, along with A. 37-1910 in 1910. Historical significance: Terracotta sculpture flourished in Bavaria in the 15th century, particularly in the Ducal cities of Straubing and Landshut. During the second quarter of the 15th century Straubing appears to have been dominan while in the second half of the century the production in Landshut reached its peak. |
| Historical context | St Paul formed part of a cycle of Apostles positioned high up on pilasters or piers, similar to the ensemble of terracotto figures preserved in the choir and aisles of the St Martin church in Landshut. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | Terracotta sculpture in Germany was often produced using moulds, so that several copies could be made. This figure was probably placed high up on a pier or pilaster of a church, hence the downward glance. St Paul (born Saul) was converted to Christianity on the road to Damascus when the voice of God challenged him for persecuting Christians. The book in his left hand refers to his preaching of the Christian faith to the Gentiles. He was often paired with St Peter, as they were considered to have founded the Christian church together. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | A.38-1910 |
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| Record created | May 10, 2004 |
| Record URL |
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