Drie Middeleeuwse sculpturen uit buxushout 1869 - 1887

These three boxwood sculptures were made between 1520 and 1540 by an anonymous artist. Boxwood is a very dense material, ideal for intricate carving. Looking closely, you can see the effect of this material on the sculptures’ appearance: each figure has a remarkable crispness of detail, from the folds of the figure’s garments to the knight’s armor. Creating these would have been a labor-intensive process involving saws, chisels, and files. The tradition of boxwood carving was particularly strong in the Netherlands during this period, meeting a demand for devotional objects and luxury goods. It's worth considering how the anonymous artisan engaged with skilled traditions in carving and sculpture, raising questions about the role of labor and artistry in the production of luxury items during the late medieval era. Materials, making, and context are crucial to understanding the meaning and value of these beautiful sculptures.