How old are these statues?

The pieces span from pre-16th century medieval church carvings up to 19th-century Gothic Revival interpretations. Dating relies upon wood species, tool marks, and stylistic conventions of drapery and facial design. Earlier examples originate from active religious workshops in regions like the Low Countries and Germany. Later revival pieces replicate these medieval forms using traditional timber working methods.

Where were they originally placed?

Many figures formed integral parts of larger architectural altarpieces, rood screens, or church chapels. Others functioned as standalone devotional statues for private prayer or monastic contemplation. Relief sculptures typically mounted directly onto interior church walls, while heavier freestanding figures rested on dedicated plinths or altars.

How should I clean wood carvings?

Maintenance requires only gentle dusting with a soft, dry brush to prevent particle accumulation within carved crevices. Avoid using liquid cleaners, waxes, or polishes that might damage historical wood surfaces or remaining polychrome pigment. Stable indoor environments away from direct sunlight and dramatic humidity shifts protect the timber from cracking and warping.

What is polychrome paint?

Polychrome paint refers to the historical practice of applying various coloured pigments to wooden sculptures to render garments and flesh tones lifelike. Artisans layered these paints over gesso preparations to enhance the visual impact of religious figures. Surviving traces provide crucial evidence for how these sacred carvings originally appeared in medieval and Renaissance ecclesiastical settings.