St Matthias 16th Century Oak Panel

Carved in exquisitely fine detail, the figure stands in an arched niche, supported on tapering pillars, below two tiers of wonderfully executed balustrading. The upper tier, surmounted by a domed pediment.

As is typical, Matthias is depicted with short hair, beard, and carrying an axe (he was sadly decapitated). The saint's niche is supported by a winged angel.

Matthias replaced Judas as an apostle, when the latter betrayed Jesus - importantly, Matthias is the patron saint of alcoholics!

Wonderful detail, colour, and surface.

Probably Flemish, circa 1540-80.

Width 7 inches, height 21 inches, depth 0.75 inches.

Ref 2475