Saint John the Evangelist

A finely carved devotional figure of Saint John the Evangelist, executed in carved limewood (possibly pine), retaining extensive traces of its original polychromy and gilding. The youthful saint is depicted holding a chalice, his principal attribute, referring to the medieval legend in which he miraculously neutralised a cup of poisoned wine by blessing it. The now-missing right hand was almost certainly raised in the act of blessing above the cup.

The sculpture reflects the transition from the Late Gothic to the early Renaissance, combining graceful, flowing drapery with a serene, naturalistically modelled face and softly carved hair. The reverse is only summarily finished, indicating that it was originally intended for display within a carved altarpiece or devotional shrine.

With its refined carving and remarkable survival of original painted decoration, this is an excellent example of Northern French religious sculpture from the first half of the sixteenth century, probably originating from Picardy or a neighbouring region.