A Masterly Hand / Scientia Artis 9

325 Conclusion 324 such. A difficulty inherent to this aspect of research is also that the measure- ment results are affected by changes that occur in the wood itself. They should therefore be interpreted with caution. Because of the diversity of the extensive oeuvre the stylistic analysis likewise failed to produce a clear division into hands and workshops. As to the places where the workshop or workshops may have been established, we are still in the dark. The works contain elements that are consistent with the artistic production of the Lower Rhine region, the Meuse basin or Brabant, which could be characteristic of the borderland that forms the central Meuse region. Dendrochronological analysis yielded much in terms of the origin and the selection of the wood used. Although in a large number of cases it confirmed the date derived by stylistic analysis, it did not contribute substantially to the chronological organization of the oeuvre. Additional research would go some way towards answering these remaining questions. There are many possible approaches. A significant number of works still await a thorough technical and art-historical analysis. And a study of sculptural groups in a different style from the same region and period, such as the group around the Master of Oostham, would also certainly contribute to a greater understanding of the specificity of the various groups. The historical aspect likewise merits further exploration, with a view to discovering the exact circumstances in which the sculptures were made. The guilds in smaller towns in the central Meuse area and the rather wider region are an important facet of that. The widening of the research of municipal and church archives can still provide new information, as, equally, can that of archives of certain monas­ teries, abbeys and chapters that could have acted as patrons. In the course of this intense campaign of fieldwork and source research the Master of Elsloo did not give up all ‘his’ secrets. Although no spectacular ­ discoveries were made it was proved that even with rather limited financial support a unique expertise can be built up that can be used as a reference for future projects in the genre. Our research has already aroused interest in the impressive oeuvre of this enigmatic master, which will undoubtedly contribute to its better conservation. Because unknown is uncared for. And these ­ appealing, masterfully carved sculptures deserve to be cherished and admired.