Sculpturen op de strijdwagen van Sint Gertrudis van Nijvel before 1889

This is a fifteenth-century image of sculptures on the chariot of Saint Gertrude of Nivelles, its artist, unfortunately, is unknown. The visual codes and historical associations within this image offer a window into the religious culture of the time. Nivelles, located in present-day Belgium, was a significant religious center, and Saint Gertrude held a prominent position in local devotion. This image underscores the importance of religious figures in shaping the social and cultural identity of communities during this period. The chariot itself, adorned with sculptures depicting scenes from Saint Gertrude's life, reflects the institutional power of the Church and its role in shaping the narratives that were important. Historical research into the cult of Saint Gertrude, local religious practices, and the patronage of religious art would provide further insights into the social and institutional context of this image. Art's meaning is contingent on its social and institutional context.