Fragment of an Altarpiece with a Standing Saint, The Birth of Christ, and The Presentation in the Temple 

This panel, held at the Städel Museum, is carved from wood and painted, depicting scenes from the life of Christ. The anonymous artist would have begun by selecting a suitable piece of wood, likely a softwood like pine or fir, chosen for its workability. Using chisels and gouges, they would have painstakingly carved the intricate architectural details and figures, creating a low-relief composition. The surface would then be prepared with gesso, a white primer, before applying pigments, perhaps mixed with egg yolk to create tempera paint. Consider the immense labor involved in producing such a piece. From the felling of the tree to the grinding of pigments, each step demanded skilled hands and time. This fragment offers a glimpse into the world of medieval workshops, where craft and artistry were intertwined, and where the value of an object resided not only in its aesthetic appeal but also in the labor and materials that went into its creation. It challenges us to look beyond the surface and appreciate the profound connection between material, making, and meaning.