A large Flemish polychrome walnut retable, probably Ghent, dated 1529

Dim.: ca. 130 x 212 x 17,5 cm

A large carved walnut wood altarpiece in high relief, polychromy and gilt composed of five panels representing the Flagellation, the Carrying of the Cross, the Crucifixion, the Resurrection and Saint Paul with a cleric, probably the donor.
The whole presented in an architectural setting with arcades, pilasters with flat foliated balusters. The two upper left friezes show cherubs carrying the instruments of the Passion for the left part and a suite of musical cherubs on the right.

In the lower part we encounter five panels. The first bears the date 1529, the second the Veil of Veronica. The central panel shows a shield surrounded by tears. The fourth panel is decorated with the heads of fantastic animals with foliage at the ends, while the fifth and last panel shows nails in a central cartouche. The vertical dividers show the apostles holding a book, standing beneath a shell canopy.

Expert: Cabinet Benoît Bertrand