Southern Netherlands or Northern France / c. 1430
Standing Apostle (Probably Saint John the Evangelist)
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Standing Apostle (Probably Saint John the Evangelist) as sculpture (Southern Netherlands or Northern France · c. 1430).
Alabaster is very soft; after 20 minutes of treatment with water, the surface will dissolve.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this sculpture as Alabaster and credits Master of the Saint-Omer Apostles (Southern Netherlandish, active Bruges?).
The museum's collection notes: This figure, likely from a cycle of the 12 apostles, probably has its original coloring. The transparent cream-colored alabaster includes typical veining that supports the play of light and shadow in the rich folds. The gilded hems intensify the richness of the drapery. The less detailed treatment of the backs of the sculpture is also typical since they may not have been visible when displayed. The figure was prepared in a workshop to be adapted to the conditions at their destination. It was probably created by an artist based in Bruges (Belgium), who was in close contact with the workshop of the so-called Rimini Altarpiece there.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtStanding Apostle (Probably Saint John the Evangelist)Original explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.