Probably Utrecht circa 1530/1540
A probably Utrecht wooden figure of Saint Mary Magdalene, circa 1530/40
Carved three-quarters in the round and partially freestanding, the reverse slightly flattened. Extensive remains of former polychromy. Depicting the saint standing in contrapposto, designed for a frontal viewpoint. She wears a pleated blouse, tightly laced bodice and a floor-length gown, and her braided hair has been artfully knotted above an opulent headdress - the costume is that of a wealthy burgher lady, and indicates the figure depicted to be Mary Magdalene. The work's sculptural quality is largely defined by the cloak worn draped about the saint's body, forming central curved and diagonal folds flanked by contrasting vertical drapery on each side. The facial features, clothing and fine quality of carving can be compared to the works of the so-called "Master of the Utrecht Stone Head", active in Utrecht in circa 1530, for example his Saint Ursula kept in the Museum Catharijneconvent.
The pegged hands and toes lost. Losses due to insect damage to the right side and the attribute (?) beneath the right arm. Height 85 cm.
Provenance
Private collection, Belgium.
Literature
For comparable pieces, cf. exhib. cat.: Mittelalterliche Bildwerke aus Utrecht 1430-1530, ed. by. Dagmar Preising & Michael Rief, Stuttgart 2012 (exhibition in the Museum Catharijneconvent Utrecht and the Suermondt-Ludwig-Museum Aachen 2012/2013), p. 286-287, cat. no. 56, illus.