Lambert de Maestricht and Liège

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Lambert de Maestricht, the Liège-born sculptor, crafted this oak and walnut masterpiece between 1510-1520. The original polychromy still shines, a testament to his skill. This Late Gothic sculpture now resides in the Musée du Cinquantenaire in Brussels, Belgium. Saint Lambert, bishop of Maestricht, met a brutal end at the hands of Frankish nobility in the 9th century. His successor, Hubert, saw fit to relocate his relics to Liège, where they remain to this day. Lambert's attire is telling – he wears a bishop's miter and rationale on his shoulders, emblems of his esteemed office. This distinguishing mark was reserved for select episcopal seats, including that of cork. As the 15th century unfolded, sculptors began to push the boundaries of realism. They imbued their subjects with individualized features, creating figures that could be studied from multiple angles. The result was a sense of expressiveness, as if the very fabric of clothing seemed to come alive. Follow me on Twitter at @GeoffreyMarchal for more updates and behind-the-scenes peeks into the world of art and history.