Artwork
Altarpiece of the Guild of the Joiners
Altarpiece of the Guild of the Joiners is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Quinten Metsys. It dates from 1511 and is held in the collection of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1511 by Quentin Matsys, this oil painting served as an altarpiece for the Joiners' Guild following its separation from the Coopers' Guild in 1497. The work is presently housed in the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp.
Subject & Meaning
The central image depicts the Lamentation over the dead Christ, while the side panels portray the martyrdoms of John the Baptist and John the Evangelist, both patron saints of carpenters. In grisaille, the exterior of the side panels also features these saints, underscoring the guild’s devotional focus.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil on panel, Matsys employs a realistic handling of figures and a muted palette typical of early 16th‑century Netherlandish painting. The use of grisaille on the outer faces creates a visual contrast between the interior narrative scenes and the subdued exterior.
History & Provenance
Commissioned after the guild’s split in 1497, the altarpiece remained with the Joiners' Guild before entering the collection of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, Antwerp, where it is displayed today.
Artist & collection
Artist
Quentin Matsys (UK: MAT-sysse, US: MAHT-sysse; also Massys or Metsys; Flemish: Quinten Matsijs ; 1466–1530) was a Flemish painter in the Early Netherlandish tradition.
The Lamentation over the Dead Christ
Triptych with the Lamentation (centre panel), the donor with St Peter (inner left wing), the donor’s wife with St Paul (inner right wing) and the donors’ coats of arms (outer wings)
Die Kreuzabnahme
Crucifixion
The Descent from the Cross
The Lamentation over the Dead Christ
Triptych with the Lamentation of Christ
The Descent from the Cross
The Crucifixion
Descent from the Cross
Lamentation of Christ
Altarpiece with The Passion of Christ