February Estate Finds
Lot 303:
Description
Keywords: Renaissance art, religious symbolism, Gothic arch, sacred iconography, devotional imagery, historical European art, gold leaf highlights
German/Swabian circa 1500, depicts St. Thomas holding the Virgin’s belt and a builder’s square. Created in egg tempera on a gilt and gessoed wood panel with an integral Gothic arch. Unsigned.
The identity of the depicted saint is based on the attribute of the belt and what appears to be a gold carpenters square in the niche of the figure’s left hand. According to the Sacred Tradition at the Assumption of Mary, where the other apostles were present, Thomas missed the occasion (being on his way back from India), so the Virgin Mary, aware of Thomas’ skeptical nature, appeared to him individually and dropped her belt (sometimes called girdle or sash) she was wearing down onto him, to give him a physical proof of what he had seen. The carpenters square attribute for Thomas is related to a story from the Golden Legend. Accordingly, a king in India sent an emissary to the west to find an architect who could build a Roman-style temple. Thomas presented himself as such an architect (hence the builders square) so the king gave him money to build the temple with and went off on a long journey. When he returned, he saw no temple. Thomas had given the money to the poor and spent his time preaching and converting people. He explained to the king that his "temple" would be in Heaven. Although angered at first, the king is brought around to believing in Christ.
Measurements: 30 1/2 x 17 in. (77.5 x 43.2 cm.) approx
ID: : 10
Condition: Good overall condition with wear consistent with age. Visible surface cracks and minor losses to paint, as shown in photos. Imperfections in frame.
We do our best to note any obvious issues, but all items are sold “as is?? and may show signs of wear. Condition reports are provided as a helpful guide and reflect our opinion, not a guarantee. We encourage you to review photos carefully and reach out if you need more information. All lots are sold in their current condition at the time of sale.
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