Mechelen, on the edge of the Rhine-Meuse region and in medieval times already a trading hub north of the Alps and a centre of art production, truly blossomed under the regency and patronage of Margaret of Austria (1480–1530). With the foundation of her court in 1500, not only were high-ranking artists from all over Europe brought to the city, but the workshops already there enhanced their output. Initially, the latter mainly made statuettes traded as exports well beyond the borders of her realm. However, these works were increasingly used for the wealthy burghers’ house altars or other places of private worship. The figure of St. Barbara, clearly discernible from the tower to her left, is superbly preserved. It has compellingly refined details, is very graceful and boasts porcelain-like incarnate that shows just why these statuettes were so popular. (Arne Leopold)