A Crucified Thief

In northern Europe the altarpiece was the most important type of sculpture in wood. The structure of a winged altarpiece was dominated by the central panel, the corpus, and its figures. The wings carried relief carvings, figures or narrative paintings. The predella often contained busts of apostles or saints. The crowning superstructure was usually decorated with finials and small figures. On certain days and during Lent the corpus and the predella were closed from view.

This figure is one of the two thieves who were crucified with Jesus. The quality of the work suggests that it is the work of a master carver. The blindfolded thief is shown twisting in pain on a rough T-shaped cross made from an uncarved tree trunk. The carving of the rib-cage, skin and sinews is astonishingly realistic, and the head has remarkable character.