One of the Apostles

The sculpture of the Apostle, positioned above St. James the Greater who is supporting Mary, is a dynamic and expressive figure characteristic of Veit Stoss’s style. The Apostle has his hands folded above his head like a canopy, sheltering Mary in a gesture of sorrow and reflection. His facial expression is full of emotion, with slightly lowered eyes and furrowed brows, which gives the figure an air of spiritual engagement.

The Apostle’s robes are richly draped and have an intense golden color with turquoise accents, typical of the polychromy in Veit Stoss’s works. The rich folds of the fabric add three-dimensionality and dynamism to the sculpture, while the golden elements highlight its sacred nature.

In the photograph, it can be seen that the sculpture of the Apostle is set against a backdrop of a blue sky with stars, adding depth and mysticism to the composition. The entire main scene of the altarpiece depicts the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, surrounded by Apostles captured by Stoss in various poses, expressing the extreme emotions associated with this scene.

In the context of the whole, this figure of the Apostle, with hands folded above his head, stands out as a symbol of deep contemplation and spiritual reaction to the events depicted on the altarpiece.