A Pair of Flemish Carved Oak Panels Depicting Saint Paul and a Female Saint, Possibly Saint Mary Magdalene

A pair of Flemish oak panels carved in low relief with full-length representations of two haloed saints, probably Saint Paul the Apostle and a female saint, possibly Saint Mary Magdalene.

The male figure is depicted standing frontally, wearing a long robe falling in vertical folds. He holds an upright sword in his right hand and a book in his left, attributes traditionally associated with Saint Paul, the sword referring to his martyrdom and the book to his apostolic writings. His bearded face is framed by a circular nimbus with incised radiating lines.

The accompanying female figure is similarly represented standing beneath a circular nimbus, her long, flowing hair falling over her shoulders. She wears a full-length gown with broad sleeves and holds her hands together in an attitude of prayer. The uncovered hair may suggest an identification with Saint Mary Magdalene, although the absence of a distinguishing attribute prevents a definitive identification.

Both panels retain the formal characteristics of late Gothic devotional sculpture, particularly in the elongated proportions, frontal compositions and treatment of the drapery. Their relatively restrained modelling and simplified execution are consistent with provincial Netherlandish woodcarving during the second quarter of the sixteenth century, when established Gothic conventions continued alongside the developing Renaissance vocabulary.

The corresponding dimensions, composition and manner of carving suggest that the panels originally formed part of the same ecclesiastical furnishing, possibly an altarpiece or other devotional ensemble.

Both panels are now mounted on modern, green velvet-covered backing boards with arched tops.