Stenen tabernakel in de Sint-Maternusbasiliek te Walcourt before 1889

This stone tabernacle was made in the Sint-Maternusbasiliek te Walcourt by an anonymous artist. The first thing you might notice is its monumentality – this is a weighty piece of stone, elevated on a sturdy column. The construction of the tabernacle required considerable effort and planning. Stone carving is a subtractive process, meaning that the sculptor had to carefully remove material to reveal the desired form. Notice the architectural elements that echo those of the basilica itself. The stone’s texture adds to the overall sense of grandeur and permanence. Given its scale and intricate detail, it’s clear that this tabernacle was a significant commission, likely intended to project power and authority. By focusing on the physical properties and making of the object, we can better appreciate its cultural and historical significance, and move beyond the traditional distinctions between art and craft.