RELIEF “THE MIRACLE OF THE PALM TREE ON THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT” Switzerland or Lake Constance region, late 15th century.

RELIEF “THE MIRACLE OF THE PALM TREE ON THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT”

Switzerland or Lake Constance region, late 15th century.
Limewood carved in relief, polychrome painted and gilt. Framed.
Relief: approx. 75.5 × 62.5 cm. With frame: 84 × 71 cm.
Gilding and paintwork with losses, partly reworked. Cracks. Glued and screwed onto blockboard.

Provenance:
- Kunsthandlung Julius Böhler, Munich, 14 December 1989 (according to a copy of the invoice).
- By inheritance in a Swiss private collection.

The composition, with the palm tree bending down and the angel, was probably based on an engraving by Martin Schongauer. The Miracle of the Palm Tree is a legend from the early Christian apocryphal writings concerning the Flight into Egypt. When the Holy Family rests beneath a palm tree in the desert, the tree bends down to offer its fruit to the Virgin and Child.