Bidspirit auction | German Master (16th Century)

German Master (16th Century) - German Master (16th Century) - Four Saints: Saint Peter, Saint Paul, Saint John the Evangelist, and a Holy King. This exceptional 16th-century German Renaissance quadriptych features four individual wooden panels, likely originating from a private devotional altarpiece or the predella of a larger church retable. Each panel presents a full-length figure standing against a dark, atmospheric backdrop, topped with a glowing gilded halo. Saint Peter (Far Left): Depicted as an elder with grey hair and beard, clad in a rich red tunic covered by a heavy white cloak. He holds a large key in his right hand—symbolizing the Keys to the Kingdom of Heaven—and a key ring in his left. Saint Paul (Second Left): Rendered with a flowing dark beard, holding an open holy book in his right hand and a broadsword in his left, referencing both his authorship of the Epistles and his martyrdom. Saint John the Evangelist (Second Right): Pictured as a youthful, clean-shaven apostle dressed in a green tunic with dramatic red drapery, holding a golden chalice—a direct reference to the poisoned cup from which he was miraculously saved. A Holy King / Royal Saint (Far Right): Dressed in full plate armor of the period under a red cloak, wearing a jeweled crown. He holds a globus cruciger (orb of sovereignty) and a sword, likely representing Saint Charlemagne, Saint Sigismund, or Saint Louis. The work exemplifies the master craftsmanship of the German Renaissance during the 16th century. The artist demonstrates a keen eye for realism and expressive narrative, characteristic of the Northern European tradition. The drapery is executed with dramatic folds and deep sculptural shadows, while the armor and liturgical attributes are rendered with meticulous precision. The warm, resonant color palette—dominated by deep crimson, forest green, and gold—creates a harmonious contrast across the four panels. Presented together in a single custom frame, this set forms a rare and captivating ensemble of early sacred art. Oil on panel , 23 x 9 cm each panel Dimensions 23 x 9 cm each panel