LOO, Frans van
(active 1607-1654 in Mechelen)

St Andrew

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Boxwood, with glass inlay, height 16 cm
Szépművészeti Múzeum, Budapest

This figure belongs to a series representing the twelve apostles and Christ, from which only eight apostles and the figure of Christ came down to us. The survived small boxwood statuettes are dispersed among different European collections. They were executed in the same size and were masterly carved in boxwood, while the eyes were inlaid with glass beads. Their bases are inscribed with the name of the portrayed, and some of them, including the Budapest one, bear the signature of the artist.

The purpose of the small statuettes is not clear, but their unusually small size suggests that the series was probably intended for a furniture decoration.




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