The Lord with a chorus of angels; perhaps a detail from the gable of a winged altarpiece
1510-20
Limewood, polychrome, gilt, traces of Press Brocade (pressbrokat)
Inv. 56.838.1
Carving originally placed perhaps in an arched, hexagonal-backed niche. The positioning of the figures, the direction of their glances and the structure of the overall composition indicate the work was meant be viewed from below and perhaps occupied a pediment niche. János Végh has posited that it adorned the upper part of an altarpiece shrine.
The lively colouring of the relief is partially the result of later overpainting, although the original polychromy has still survived on a large part of the surface, alongside the clearly visible additions. Traces of press brocade can be observed on the surplice of the angel playing a horn.
Provenance:
Ipolyi collection. ‘149. The Lord with a choir of angels. The figures are from the waist up. Wooden carving. 15th c. (suspicious).’ (Lakatos-Balla 295)
The lively colouring of the relief is partially the result of later overpainting, although the original polychromy has still survived on a large part of the surface, alongside the clearly visible additions. Traces of press brocade can be observed on the surplice of the angel playing a horn.
Provenance:
Ipolyi collection. ‘149. The Lord with a choir of angels. The figures are from the waist up. Wooden carving. 15th c. (suspicious).’ (Lakatos-Balla 295)
