Saint Agnes  c. 1470 - 1480

Curator: Adriaen van Wesel created this limewood sculpture of Saint Agnes around 1470-1480. It’s now part of the Rijksmuseum collection. Editor: Well, my first impression is a serene one. There's a stillness, a quiet dignity emanating from the piece. She seems both present and somehow otherworldly, almost like a memory. Curator: The choice of limewood is interesting; it's a relatively soft wood, allowing for incredibly detailed carving. I think this particular medium was specifically chosen for its properties, offering a warmer tone to portray the skin of Saint Agnes and lending itself beautifully to capturing the drapery. Editor: It’s remarkable how the sculptor has captured the folds of her robe. They fall so naturally, almost fluid, given the unyielding nature of wood. The texture is really inviting, you want to reach out and feel the grain, the contours… it is very skillfully crafted, a feat, I think! Curator: And let's consider the socio-economic context. Wood carving was a significant industry at this time, often employing numerous artisans. This wasn't just an individual act of artistic creation, but a process deeply embedded in workshop practices and market demands. The creation of religious icons and the availability of different kinds of wood are significant here. Editor: Absolutely! There’s that little lamb nuzzling at her feet—a visual symbol for Saint Agnes herself. The symbolism grounds the figure. It provides instant narrative access for those viewing the sculpture at the time, helping viewers to identify the figure with qualities of innocence and purity. Curator: And we must consider who had access to art like this? These weren't just aesthetic objects; they had an important didactic function for people, particularly when literacy was limited. Commissioned devotional pieces helped instruct and instill virtue through compelling forms. Editor: Standing here, looking at her, I get the feeling that she wants me to confide in her, to tell her my secrets. Perhaps, that’s why I can imagine this particular kind of wood as being carefully sourced. Curator: It's a poignant piece, indeed, revealing the complex interplay between materials, skill, patronage, and belief in the late 15th century. Editor: A testament to artistry that can resonate through the centuries! Thanks for clarifying Saint Agnes' appeal to this modern artist.