Bust of an Apostle

ca. 1120–30

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 304

Although this bust has lost its once-splendid gilding, its handsome sculptural quality is still apparent. It was one of a group of the twelve apostles created for the shrine of Saint Walburg in Groningen, the Netherlands. Situated near the North Sea, the city was a prosperous trade center. This group was among a large hoard of fragments found in 1911. It included busts of apostles and reliefs of Christ in Majesty and of the Adoration of the Magi. These are now in the museum in Groningen.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Bust of an Apostle
Date: ca. 1120–30
Geography: Made in Meuse Valley
Culture: South Netherlandish
Medium: Copper, gilding
Dimensions: Overall: 5 13/16 x 4 5/16 x 1 1/2 in. (14.8 x 10.9 x 3.8 cm)
Classification: Metalwork-Copper alloy
Credit Line: Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
Object Number: 17.190.792
Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

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