Christ and St John

The gilded, polychrome wood carvings produced in the region in the early 15th century also show the influence of the International Gothic style. This Christ and St. John from the convent of the Catherinettes in Colmar exhibits the same delicacy of form, soft folding draperies and deep sense of intimacy and gentleness that we find in the paintings and engravings of the period. Christ is here pictured protectively putting his arm round the shoulders of his somnolent disciple. At his feet is the figure of the donor – a nun –, in an attitude of prayer. A symbol of abandonment to the love of Christ, this devotional image was popular in mystical circles in the south-west of Germany, especially in Dominican convents. As an aid to personal devotion, it enabled the nuns to identify with St. John and draw close to the heart of Christ.