16
14th-Century Lindenwood Sculpture of St. Theodul
Estimate:
$800 - $2,000
Sold
$1,700
Live Auction
Sacred Statues: Gothic to Baroque 14th-17th C
Description
A rare and exceptional 14th-century Gothic carved lindenwood sculpture depicting Saint Theodul, the first bishop of Valais, Switzerland. This masterfully crafted piece, attributed to the Swiss School, showcases the saint seated in a position of authority, his hands extended in a gesture that suggests he once held a symbolic object, possibly a crozier or book.
This figure is adorned with its original polychrome, which has been remarkably preserved. The sculpture's red and gold vestments, combined with the intricate carving of the facial features and drapery, emphasize a high level of craftsmanship. His tall mitre and solemn expression further highlight Saint Theodul's ecclesiastical status.
This sculpture is a significant representation of the Swiss School of Gothic art, a tradition deeply influenced by both French High Gothic naturalism and Germanic structural solidity. The use of lindenwood is consistent with the Swiss School, as it was a material favored in Swiss religious sculpture for its fine grain and ability to retain intricate details.
The Swiss School's religious statuary often emphasized hierarchical symbolism and devotion, as seen in the rigid yet expressive posture of Saint Theodul. The bold polychromy, particularly the red and gold hues, aligns with medieval Swiss artistic traditions that aimed to enhance the lifelike presence of religious figures. Swiss sculptors of this period worked closely with painters to create richly detailed, vividly painted figures.
Saint Theodul (c. 340-400 CE), as the first bishop of Valais, was a revered figure in medieval Switzerland, known for his role in establishing Christian influence in the Swiss Alps. He is historically credited with securing the papal-approved transfer of relics of the Theban Legion to the region, further cementing Valais as an early Christian stronghold. Devotional sculptures like this were likely commissioned for monastic centers or cathedral altars, serving as objects of veneration. The presence of such an elaborate carving suggests that this piece may have originated from a high-status ecclesiastical setting, possibly a bishopric or monastic treasury.
Artist: Swiss School
Issued: Circa 1350
Dimensions: 12"L x 9"W x 31"H
Country of Origin: Switzerland
Provenance: John and Johanna Bass Collection, New York, NY; Bass Museum of Art, Miami Beach, FL, 1963.
This figure is adorned with its original polychrome, which has been remarkably preserved. The sculpture's red and gold vestments, combined with the intricate carving of the facial features and drapery, emphasize a high level of craftsmanship. His tall mitre and solemn expression further highlight Saint Theodul's ecclesiastical status.
This sculpture is a significant representation of the Swiss School of Gothic art, a tradition deeply influenced by both French High Gothic naturalism and Germanic structural solidity. The use of lindenwood is consistent with the Swiss School, as it was a material favored in Swiss religious sculpture for its fine grain and ability to retain intricate details.
The Swiss School's religious statuary often emphasized hierarchical symbolism and devotion, as seen in the rigid yet expressive posture of Saint Theodul. The bold polychromy, particularly the red and gold hues, aligns with medieval Swiss artistic traditions that aimed to enhance the lifelike presence of religious figures. Swiss sculptors of this period worked closely with painters to create richly detailed, vividly painted figures.
Saint Theodul (c. 340-400 CE), as the first bishop of Valais, was a revered figure in medieval Switzerland, known for his role in establishing Christian influence in the Swiss Alps. He is historically credited with securing the papal-approved transfer of relics of the Theban Legion to the region, further cementing Valais as an early Christian stronghold. Devotional sculptures like this were likely commissioned for monastic centers or cathedral altars, serving as objects of veneration. The presence of such an elaborate carving suggests that this piece may have originated from a high-status ecclesiastical setting, possibly a bishopric or monastic treasury.
Artist: Swiss School
Issued: Circa 1350
Dimensions: 12"L x 9"W x 31"H
Country of Origin: Switzerland
Provenance: John and Johanna Bass Collection, New York, NY; Bass Museum of Art, Miami Beach, FL, 1963.
Condition
Age related wear.