Drie houten sculpturen before 1889

These anonymous wooden sculptures, dating from the 15th and 16th centuries, provide a fascinating glimpse into the social fabric of their time. The figures, likely originating from the workshops of Northern Europe, represent a cross-section of medieval society. We see a knight, a noblewoman, and perhaps a guild member, each distinguished by their attire and attributes. These details weren't merely aesthetic; they were visual codes that communicated status and identity. In a pre-literate world, such images played a crucial role in reinforcing social hierarchies and collective identities. Guild members, for example, used such images to signal their importance to the economic structures of their cities. Understanding these sculptures requires us to look beyond their formal qualities and delve into the social and institutional contexts that gave them meaning. Research into guild records, sumptuary laws, and religious practices of the period can shed light on the beliefs, values, and power structures that shaped the creation and reception of these compelling objects.