Maria Faydherbe, Crucifix

This small sculpture is one of the few signed works by a 17th-century female artist. An additional reason for its inclusion on the Flemish Masterpieces list in 2023. The sculptor, Maria Faydherbe, was so confident in her own expertise that she openly competed with her male colleagues.

Maria Faydherbe

Maria Faydherbe was born in Mechelen into a family of professional artists. Alongside her brothers Hendrik (1574-1629) and Anton (circa 1576-1653), her nephew Lucas (1617-1697) would also enter the arts. Maria Faydherbe wanted to be taken seriously as a sculptor and was willing to compete with her male colleagues. She voiced her grievances about the substandard Mechelen sculptors, whom she referred to disdainfully as 'dime-a-dozen workers'. She was referencing the mass production of Mechelen dolls, statues of Jesus and religious sculptures.

She signed this Crucifix with MARIA FAYDHERBE ME FECIT, or: I was made by Maria Faydherb. However, the signature is not immediately visible to the viewer: it is on the back of Christ's loincloth.

Crucifix in Detail

• Title: Crucifix
• Artist: Maria Faydherbe
• Date: 1620-1635
• Material: wood
• Size: 33 cm