The holy Nicodemus (Figure from a tomb) at The Museum of Fine Arts, Ghent, Belgium

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The 15th-century sculptures made from limestone or wood were predominantly adorned with vibrant colors. Rarely do we come across original and well-preserved polychrome artworks, as the passing of time has caused most images to lose their former splendor due to inadequate storage conditions, neglect, or shifting aesthetic preferences. For instance, remnants of paint were discovered on the image of Nicodemus, a figure integral to a burial scene. Typically, the task of adding color falls to the skilled painter, a complex and time-consuming process that often commands higher pay than crafting an image or creating covers. Polychrome, also known as upholstery, is more than mere decoration; its colors hold symbolic meaning, and the artwork should radiate a sense of loftiness and transcendent brilliance.