Through the centuries Materials Themes and Functions

Wooden sculpture

Wooden sculpture was an integral part of interior church furnishings. The most important renderings were of the crucified Christ (crucifix) and Virgin and Child, but the saints also counted among the most important works of sculptors. Wooden sculptures were usually polychrome; in the early Middle Ages, they were sometimes even covered with gold foil. Especially in the 14th century, ever larger altarpieces (retables) began to be created with carved wooden figures; these were often combined with painted representations on the altar wings. Many of the wooden sculptures that are now part of the Museum Schnütgen’s collection at one time belonged to an altar retable. Wooden figures were often used to ornament church furniture such as choirstalls or lecterns. The altar table, by contrast, was always made of stone. Finally, wood was a popular medium for smaller sculptures intended for private devotion.

Mourning figure of the Virgin Mary made of wood with tilted head in hand.

Wooden figure of a seated Mary with lowered head. On her lap sits the baby Jesus, who looks up to her and has raised his right hand.

Standing Madonna in a golden robe and a red cloak with the seated baby Jesus on the left arm. The child looks at the face of the Madonna figure, the Madonna looks at the viewer. The right hand of the Madonna is missing.

Wooden figure of St. Dionysius. In his right hand he holds his severed scalp, on which sits a bishop's hat.

Figure of a seated Mary with baby Jesus on her lap. Both are leaning towards each other.

Sitting Mary made of wood. She wears a white dress and has her head lowered in mourning. On her lap lies the dead Jesus with crown of thorns.

A wooden carved man with beard and angular face sits on a wooden cube. Curls are engraved all over his wooden body.

Figure of a standing man with a full beard. In his hands he holds a scarf with inscription.

A round wooden bowl with the carved face of a bearded man in the center. The inscription on the top of the bowl reads: In quomodo perit, ita deus dilectus.

Wooden figure of a sitting man. His head is placed in his left hand. His gaze is lowered to the ground.

Colorful wooden figure of a standing man: in his right hand he holds a short sword. The left hand holds an open book.

Wooden figure of a standing man. He wears a hat with a large brim and on his leg jumps up a small lion.

Wooden figure of a colorfully painted female angel. In her hand she holds a banner.

Wooden carving of the crucifixion of Jesus. In the foreground Jesus on the cross. At his side in each case another crucified man. The crosses rise above a crowd of people.

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