A Rare 16th Century Flemish Carved Oak Double Panel Depicting The Risen Christ & Christ In Majesty, Circa 1550–1600

A wonderfully evocative survival of pre-1600 Continental church art, this carved oak double panel presents two devotional scenes within Renaissance arched niches, almost certainly preserved from the front of a chest or a larger scheme of ecclesiastical furnishing.

The left-hand relief depicts the Risen Christ: standing, right arm raised in benediction beneath a rayed nimbus, wrapped in the grave shroud and grasping the long cross-staff — the vexillum of the Resurrection — the forms at His feet recalling the tomb from which He steps. The right-hand relief shows Christ in Majesty, seated upon boldly carved billowing clouds, His right hand raised in blessing and His left supporting the cross-surmounted orb, a winged cherub mask beneath the cloudbank. Together the panels form a coherent devotional programme — Resurrection and Majesty — rather than a chance pairing.

Each scene is framed by fluted columns with moulded capitals supporting round arches worked with beaded ornament, mitred keystone blocks and pellet-decorated spandrels — a confident Renaissance vocabulary characteristic of Low Countries workshop production in the second half of the sixteenth century.

The panel presents an honest, dry and untouched surface with rich colour and patination to the carved reliefs. The reverse displays extensive old, inactive worm channelling, historic staining and redundant fixing holes, all consistent with age and a long working life. Old losses to the lower carved edges of both niches, entirely sympathetic to its great age. Fitted with a later brass hanger and ready for wall display.

Provenance: Flemish origin, circa 1550-1600.

Material: Oak

Condition: The panel presents an honest, dry and untouched surface with rich colour and patination to the carved reliefs. The reverse displays extensive old, inactive worm channelling, historic staining and redundant fixing holes, all consistent with age and a long working life. Old losses to the lower carved edges of both niches, entirely sympathetic to its great age. Fitted with a later brass hanger and ready for wall display. 

Measurements: 30" x 12¼" high (76 cm x 31 cm)