Material: Pearwood (Perenhout)
Origin: Mechelen or Maasland region, Southern Netherlands
Period: Mid-17th century
Dimensions: 71 × 61 cm (unusually large)
Condition: Excellent for age, rich patina
Description
This remarkably detailed pearwood relief panel represents a rare and unusually large depiction of the Massacre of the Innocents, carved in the Mechelen or broader Maasland tradition during the mid-17th century. Measuring 71 × 61 cm, it is significantly larger than the typical domestic-scale devotional panels of the region, placing it among the more impressive surviving examples of its type.
Executed in high relief, the composition is densely populated with figures, each carved with remarkable vitality and emotional intensity. Families flee in panic, infants are lifted or protected, and soldiers force women and children deeper into the marshy, reed-filled landscape—an iconographic deviation from the usual urban setting of this Biblical scene.
This unique environmental context is one of the panel’s most striking features. Instead of the well-known city of Bethlehem, the sculptor sets the drama within a moist, rural terrain, complete with reeds, flowing vegetation, and animals moving among the chaos. Such a choice likely reflects local storytelling traditions in the Southern Netherlands, where Biblical narratives were often reimagined to resonate with regional landscapes and devotional practices.
Above the main scene, angels in the clouds oversee the unfolding tragedy, their presence carved with delicate detailing typical of Mechelen workshops. The panel retains a warm, rich patina, developed through centuries of careful handling and natural aging.
Art Historical Context
The relief aligns stylistically with Mechelen and Maasland carvings, known for their narrative density, emotional expression, and fine detailing in both figure modelling and foliage. During the 17th century, these workshops produced devotional works that served private chapels, guild houses, and wealthy domestic interiors.
This panel stands out not only for its subject matter and scale, but also for its unusual iconographic reinterpretation, making it a strong candidate for further academic interest and exhibition potential.
Condition
The panel is in excellent condition for its age, with:
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A deep, natural pearwood patina
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Minor expected age cracks and wear
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No structural losses to the main relief
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Fully intact carving depth and crisp detailing
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Stable construction and high visual presence
Provenance
Private European collection.
A Rare Opportunity
Panels of this scale and iconographic originality rarely appear on the market. This is an exceptional chance to acquire a museum-worthy Mechelen/Maasland relief with strong sculptural presence and art historical significance.
