Reliëf met guirlandes en vazen afkomstig uit het kartuizerklooster te Pavia c. 1875 - 1900

This relief, adorned with garlands and vases, was crafted by an anonymous artist for the Carthusian Monastery in Pavia. The work is made entirely of stone; the sculptor likely used a variety of chisels, gouges, and rasps to achieve its intricate detailing. The stone's inherent qualities of density and permanence speak to the enduring values of the monastery. The repetitive, stylized motifs evoke the precise, labor-intensive rituals of monastic life. Each individual leaf and curve required careful carving, reflecting the immense amount of work involved in the production process. Though we don't know who the artist was, their skill clearly belongs to a long tradition of stoneworking, inextricably linked to histories of both craft and architecture. Ultimately, this relief is a testament to the value of materials and making. By focusing on these aspects, we can appreciate the social and cultural significance embedded within this extraordinary object, while also challenging conventional distinctions between fine art and craft.