Saint Paul 1447 - 1473

This limewood sculpture of Saint Paul was carved by an artist from the Southern Netherlands. The figure embodies the religious and cultural values of its time, reflecting the important role of the church and its impact on representations of social identity. Here, Saint Paul’s identity is rooted in his sainthood, as marked by the book, probably of his own Epistles, and a sword, an allusion to his martyrdom. The choice to depict Paul as an elder with a long beard may be an attempt to solidify the church’s power by creating an imposing figure. The sculpture invites us to consider the relationship between faith, power, and identity in the late Middle Ages.