Felix Timmermans ‘3 Wise Men’ Flemish Folk Art Sculptures in Carved Wood 1970

This is a remarkable set of Flemish folk art sculptures carved out of wood in 1970 and 1972. Based on a famous folkloristic Flemish story by Felix Timmermans about three men (a reference to the 3 kings out of the Bible) who are going to sing around Christmas time. Timmermans ‘Driekoningentriptiek’ which he wrote and illustrated himself in 1923 tells this ancient story in a modern and Flemish version. Timmermans (1886-1947) is considered one of the best Flemish novelists, (play) writers and poets of the 20th century.

The story evolves round the shepherd ‘Suskewiet’, the fisherman ‘Pitjevogel’ and the beggar ‘Schrobberbeeck’ who are going on a quest. The three paupers have had enough of their poverty and hunger and decide to visit farms and houses to sing for money on Christmas.

This is the song they sang:
“Wij zijn de drie Koningen met hun ster.
Wij komen gerezen van heel ver.
Wij gingen en zochten overal,
Over berg en over dal,
En waar de ster bleef stille staan.
Zijn wij alle drie binnen gegaan.”

The singing turns out to be a good idea and they collect a lot of money and gifts. However, when they get lost in the woods on their way back to the cafe, they unexpectedly witness the birth of a little baby. Overwhelmed by this miraculous event they give away all their hard-earned gifts. In the morning, however, they question their sense of accomplishment. It is a folkloristic story about faith, friendship and the meaning of life.

These are very well made sculptures made out of solid wood. Carved by a skilled craftsman – they are signed B.L. underneath – who did presumably carved them in his own shed or workplace, making these a very interesting set of folk art sculptures and a testimony to the famous and loved folkloristic story by Felix Timmermans.

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