Lot 1851 D α

Probably Bavaria

Two possibly Bavarian high-relief carved wooden figures of Saint Barbara and a female Saint with a book, circa 1460/70.

Two figures of female Saints designed as a pair. Saint Barbara stands in gently swaying contrapposto with the right leg extended and leaning back at the waist whilst her head tilts slightly to the side. She holds her attribute, the chalice, in her hands and the tower can be seen at her feet. She wears a high-waisted, floral patterned long-sleeved gown with even, parallel folds to the front. She wears a golden cloak lain over her shoulders and drawn across her body in thick, curving folds, forming a visually interesting contrast to the pleats of the gown. The second saint is also crowned and carries an open book in her right hand. The other attribute, which was previously held in the saint's left hand, is now lost. Both the pose of the figure and the drapery of her costume clearly show that she was intended as a pendent to the Saint Barbara.
With minor wear. The polychromy probably original. Height 92 and 96 cm.