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Not currently on display at the V&A

The Coronation of the Virgin

Panel
ca. 1400 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This is the only panel in the Collection depicting the Coronation of the Virgin which shows Christ and the Virgin Mary seated side by side. Christ's right hand, which is missing, would originally have been placing the crown on her head.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleThe Coronation of the Virgin (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Carved, painted and gilt alabaster
Brief description
Panel, alabaster, The Coronation of the Virgin, English, ca. 1400.
Physical description
The panel has an embattled top. The crowned Virgin, wearing a tight-fitting gown and a cloak draped from her right shoulder, is on the left of the panel, seated on the throne beside God the Son and turned towards him, her hands held together. She wears shoes. God the Son, crowned and with a bifid beard, is seated on the right of the panel wearing a gown and a heavy belt at the waist, and a cloak over his shoulders. His feet are bare. He is turned towards the Virgin, his right arm raised, presumably in blessng, and his left hand holding an orb on the throne beside him.

The battlementing is chipped. The Son's right hand and forearm are missing. The usual daisy pattern remains on a green ground. Gilt and gesso knobs appear on the upper background. The crowns and hair of the two figures are gilded. The edges of their robes are gilt, as well as the Son's belt and orb. There are some seven holes drilled in the back of the panel, some of them filled with lead. The bottom of the panel has been scooped away.
Dimensions
  • Height: 43.7cm
  • Width: 29.9cm
From Cheetham, English Medieval Alabasters, 1984.
Style
Credit line
Given by Dr W. L. Hildburgh FSA
Object history
In the possession of P. Nelson and on loan from him since 1923. Latterly in the possession of Dr W. L. Hildburgh and on loan from him since 1926. Given by Dr Hildburgh in 1946.
Subjects depicted
Summary
This is the only panel in the Collection depicting the Coronation of the Virgin which shows Christ and the Virgin Mary seated side by side. Christ's right hand, which is missing, would originally have been placing the crown on her head.
Bibliographic reference
Cheetham, Francis. English Medieval Alabasters. Oxford: Phaidon-Christie's Limited, 1984. p. 210 (cat. 137), ill. ISBN 0-7148-8014-0
Collection
Accession number
A.82-1946

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Record createdNovember 18, 2002
Record URL
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