This crucifix is among the oldest in Norway and probably originated around the middle of the twelfth century. The slender figure maintains a standing position before the cross, its knees slightly bent, as was usual in the Romanesque style. Carved slits in his arms and breast evoke stylized ribs and muscles. Christ wears a green…Continue reading 1 Romanesque Crucifix from Leikanger
Category: Jesus
5 Calvary Group from Giske
On the island of Giske, north of Ålesund, stands a well-built twelfth-century church of white marble that was founded by a prominent nobleman. From this church stems a three-figure Romanesque Calvary group that, despite its battered state, still betrays its remarkable artistic quality. The original polychromy, the cross and arms of the Christ figure, as…Continue reading 5 Calvary Group from Giske
7 Crucifix from Fresvik
This high-quality sculpture, which has lost its cross, shows Christ crucified. His body is slightly bent, his crowned head somewhat bowed to the right, and his eyes closed. The figure wears a long loin cloth with a fold at the top that shows the red inner lining. One foot is placed over the other and…Continue reading 7 Crucifix from Fresvik
9 Marian Shrine from Hove
The so-called ‘Hove Madonna’ is among the most outstanding medieval sculptures in Norway. Mary and Child are both largely covered in gold leaf and the inside of the Virgin’s cloak, painted in blue and white, imitates vair (squirrel fur) or ermine. The crowned Virgin is seated frontally on a throne with black painted window motives…Continue reading 9 Marian Shrine from Hove
10 Marian shrine from Kyrkjebø
This Virgin of the Sedes Sapientiae (‘Throne of Wisdom’) type is seated frontally on a throne with painted architectural decorations on the sides. Mary wears a golden robe that falls down in thick V-shaped folds and is fastened with a golden belt. Her golden mantle, draped over her right knee, is lined with painted imitation…Continue reading 10 Marian shrine from Kyrkjebø
15 Altar Frontal from Kinsarvik
This altar frontal from Kinsarvik on the Hardangerfjord shows a multi-figured Crucifixion scene in a simultaneous narrative inside a multi-lobed frame in the central section. Christ hangs from the cross in a slightly bent posture. His head bows to the right side and he is looking at his mother Mary. St John the Evangelist stands…Continue reading 15 Altar Frontal from Kinsarvik
17 A Crucifixus Dolorosus from Fana
From the cross, which is composed of two trunks with cut-off branches, hangs a wound-covered, emaciated Christ. His rib cage is lifted forwards, and splinters from the lance can be seen in his side wound. Blood from the wound sin his hands trickles down in thick drops along his arms. On his shoulder-length golden hair…Continue reading 17 A Crucifixus Dolorosus from Fana
25 Double-Winged Altarpiece from Uggdal
Together with the winged altarpiece from Austevoll (MA 283), this example from Uggdal (formerly Opdal) on the island of Tysnes is preserved in its entirety. The central chest shows a relief group representing the Coronation of the Virgin Mary by Christ (left) and God the Father (right), with the Holy Spirit appearing in the shape…Continue reading 25 Double-Winged Altarpiece from Uggdal
5 Marian Shrine from Hove
The so-called ‘Hove-Madonna’ is among the most precious medieval sculptures in Norway. Its shapes, carving and polychromy (painted decorations and gilding) are of the highest quality. The Virgin and Child are seated on a throne under a baldachin. Iron hooks on either side of the back panel indicate that the shrine could be closed. According…Continue reading 5 Marian Shrine from Hove
6 Virgin and Child with Tabernacle Shrine from Kyrkjebø
During the restoration of this Marian figure in the 1960s, several parchment fragments were found inside the sculpture’s hollow backside. These were recently rediscovered in the University Museum’s archive and interpreted. The fragments probably stem from a Missal. They were reused to fill holes that had occured during the carving of the figure before the…Continue reading 6 Virgin and Child with Tabernacle Shrine from Kyrkjebø
8 Virgin and Child from Røldal
The Virgin and Child from Røldal stood inside a tabernacle shrine with scenes on the insides of the wings. One wing is preserved (see no. 3). The Madonna was probably situated on a Lady altar on the north side in the nave of the stave church, opposite from an altar with a sculpture of St…Continue reading 8 Virgin and Child from Røldal
11 Marian Shrine from Brekke
This late Gothic Marian shrine from Brekke is one of the best preserved of its kind in Norway. The sculpture of the Virgin and Child are presented in a chest with scenes from the history of the Virgin birth of Christ, while the exterior features Annunciation, i.e. the meeting between the Archangel Gabriel and the…Continue reading 11 Marian Shrine from Brekke