Description
These three altarpiece elements in carved oak, in high relief and openwork, depict the Vision of Saint Hubert.
The story of the Vision:
According to legend, Hubert was a nobleman passionate about hunting but indifferent to faith. On a Good Friday, while Christians were at church, he went out alone to hunt in the Ardennes forest.
During the hunt, he pursued a stag of extraordinary size and beauty. Just as he was about to kill it, the animal turned around: between its antlers appeared a luminous cross, and a voice (that of Christ, according to tradition) said to him:
“Hubert, Hubert, how long will you continue to chase beasts through the forests? If you do not convert to the Lord, you will go to hell.”
Shaken, Hubert fell to his knees and asked what he should do. The voice told him to seek the spiritual guidance of Lambert, bishop of Maastricht. Hubert obeyed, converted sincerely, renounced his privileges, and later became bishop of Liège and a great evangelizer of the Ardennes.
Description:
Within a mountainous forest setting crowned by a fortified city on the heights, the Saint, having dismounted from his horse, is shown kneeling with hands clasped before a stag. His mount, standing behind him and delicately harnessed, is accompanied by two small gentle hunting dogs.
On the right, the Stag, beautifully posed and finely groomed, offers a tender and concerned gaze. A cross emerges on its forehead. A fawn stands beside it.
Below, as if in a grotto, the donor is placed, also kneeling and praying before a lectern with an open book.
Harmoniously constructed and executed with a chisel of great delicacy and mastery, this tripartite composition presents the theme like a tale — a Christmas tale…