A LATE MEDIEVAL POLYCHROME PAINTED AND GILT RELIEF CARVING OF THE LAST SUPPER

Description:

Swabian, 1500/1520 circa
45/52 x 63/66 cm
The central figure of Jesus Christ surrounded by 5 of his apostles probably once from a predella relief. Rich polychromy and gilding of the cloths. Most of the attributes are missing, but the figure on the right can be identified as Peter by the key. Lime wood, old polychromy and primer, overpainted. Hand of the middle figure restored, Peter's key replaced. Raised by a later base. Rest. Damages due to age.
From an old South German private collection
In the Münster on the island of Reichenau (Lake Constance), a late-Gothic Last Supper relief is exhibited in the ‘Beichtchörle’, which is very similar to our relief in terms of composition, style and craftsmanship. Like the predella from which our group originated (here the former central section), the Reichenau group is composed of three parts, with the figure of Christ in the centre and his closest apostles directly beside him. The robes of the group are also similarly designed. Despite the missing limbs and attributes, it is clear that our figure of Christ once held an attribute (a globe) underneath his left hand, just like the Christ in Reichenau, whilst his right hand - missing here - was raised in a gesture of blessing in front of his chest.