Pax thumbnail 1
Pax thumbnail 2
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
Not currently on display at the V&A
On short term loan out for exhibition

Pax

Pax
second half of the sixteenth century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This rock crystal pax is engraved with a representation of the Lamentation over the Dead Christ derived from a design by Michelangelo. The Virgin Mary is shown seated in full faced with extended arms in front of the cross. The body of the dead Christ rests frontally against her knees, the arms supported by standing putti on the right and left.

The design of the crystal derived from the lost Vittoria Colonna Pieta of Michelangelo, a copy of which survives in the Vatican library. The relief, which was used as a pax, a tablet to be kissed in worship, is enclosed in a gilt metal Spanish frame dating from the sixteenth century.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitlePax
Materials and techniques
Rock crystal, carved
Brief description
Lamentation over the Dead Christ; Rock crystal gilt metal mount Italian 16th cent
Physical description
Rock crystal plaque with an arched top carved with a representation of the Lamentation over the Dead Christ derived from a design by Michelangelo. In a gilt metal mount.
Dimensions
  • Height: 105mm (Rock crystal relief only )
  • Width: 61mm (Rock crystal relief only )
  • Height: 230mm (Relief and frame )
  • Width: 122mm (Relief and frame)
  • Depth: 28mm (Frame)
Credit line
Given by Dr W.L Hildburgh, F.S.A.
Subjects depicted
Summary
This rock crystal pax is engraved with a representation of the Lamentation over the Dead Christ derived from a design by Michelangelo. The Virgin Mary is shown seated in full faced with extended arms in front of the cross. The body of the dead Christ rests frontally against her knees, the arms supported by standing putti on the right and left.

The design of the crystal derived from the lost Vittoria Colonna Pieta of Michelangelo, a copy of which survives in the Vatican library. The relief, which was used as a pax, a tablet to be kissed in worship, is enclosed in a gilt metal Spanish frame dating from the sixteenth century.
Collection
Accession number
A.1-1943

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
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