The Emperor Constantine and St Helena. thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

The Emperor Constantine and St Helena.

Statuette
late 19th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This oak carving depicts the Emperor Constantine and St Helena. The figures are in the style of Netherlandish or Lower Rhenish sculpture of the late 15th century and was conceived as a wooden model for a reliquary to be made by a goldsmith. The central stem was presumably intended to support a container holding a relic of the True Cross, said to have been discovered by St Helena. Although the carving is quite convincing the absence of any comparable medieval models and the misunderstanding if details such as the open work ornament below the base, suggests that it is a skilful 19th century fake.


Object details

Category
Object type
TitleThe Emperor Constantine and St Helena.
Materials and techniques
Oak
Brief description
Group emperor constantine and st.helena; Wood French/German 19th cent
Physical description
Group in oak. The Emperor and Empress, both crowned, kneel on either side of a pedestal. The figures are in the style of Netherlandish or Lower Rhenish sculpture of the late 15th century and was conceived as a wood model for a reliquary to be made by a goldsmith.
Dimensions
  • Height: 29.5cm
  • Width: 29.5cm
Object history
Given by Mrs Sigismund Goetze in memory of her husband.
Subjects depicted
Summary
This oak carving depicts the Emperor Constantine and St Helena. The figures are in the style of Netherlandish or Lower Rhenish sculpture of the late 15th century and was conceived as a wooden model for a reliquary to be made by a goldsmith. The central stem was presumably intended to support a container holding a relic of the True Cross, said to have been discovered by St Helena. Although the carving is quite convincing the absence of any comparable medieval models and the misunderstanding if details such as the open work ornament below the base, suggests that it is a skilful 19th century fake.
Collection
Accession number
A.7-1940

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest