Lot 1448 Dα

Flemish early 16th century

An early 16th century Flemish carved oak figure of Saint Gertrude of Nivelles

Carved three quarters in the round and flattened to the reverse. Minor remains of former polychromy. A full-figure depiction of Saint Gertrude designed for a frontal viewpoint. The saint wears a nun's habit and holds a book in her right hand, the missing left hand may originally have held a church model. The mouse depicted at her feet is another of her attributes, based on a legend that tells how her prayers dispersed a plague of rats and mice, which is why Saint Gertrude has been venerated as the patron saint of field and garden crops since the late Middle Ages.
Possible fire damage to the front behind the book, the book partially replaced. Some wear. Mounted to a modern wooden plinth. Height 67 cm (without plinth).