Cornelis Floris de Vriendt - Tabernacle (1549 - 1552), Saint Leonard’s Church, Zoutleeuw
Detail of the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden
“On 13 August 1550, Maarten van Wilre, Lord of Oplinter, signed the contract for the construction of the tabernacle. Cornelis II Floris then created a complex all-encompassing work of art and combined ancient and Renaissance art from Italy with Flemish tradition. The tower built of Avesnes stone is eighteen meters high and has nine levels. It is safe to say that this is the most impressive tabernacle dating back to the 16th century Southern Netherlands. The corners of each level are adorned with statues. It is almost impossible to count the number of characters. The brass balustrade is also included in the List of Masterpieces of Flanders. Maarten van Wilre and his wife Maria Pyllirpeerts are buried in front of the tabernacle. Their tombstone was later moved to the wall.” - Flemishmastersinsitu
CC BY 4.0 KIK-IRPA, Brussels (Belgium)
Photographed by Elias, Jean-Luc, KIK (1997 and 2009)
