This panel forms a pair with a panel of St Peter, object number A.83-1946. The saint is shown bearded standing under an embattled canopy wearing a gown and a cloak draped from his shoulders. He holds a closed book in his right hand and in his left a double edged sword, his emblem.
St Peter and St Paul are outstanding figures in the Christian Church. Both saints share a feast day.
Physical description
The saint stands under an embattled canopy. He has a bifid beard and is represented, according to tradition, as balding. He holds a closed book in his right hand and his emblem, a double-edged sword, upright in his left. He wears a gown and a cloak draped from his shoulders.
The left-hand corners of the panel are chipped. The front of the three-sided base of the panel has been scratched with the letters 'P I E R I RO.' Slight traces of green paint remain on the ground at the bottom of the panel. Much gilding remains on the background, with traces of gesso knobs. There is gilding on the saint's beard and hair and on the edges of his robes. The blade of his sword is painted dark brown. His book is coloured green (now darkened) overpainted with a red pattern.
The back of the panel bears two lead-filled plugs, one with the remains of some latten strips. Almost the whole of the length of the centre of the panel has been scooped away and especially the bottom.
Place of Origin
England, Great Britain (made)
Date
ca. 1400 (made)
Artist/maker
Unknown (production)
Materials and Techniques
Carved, painted and gilt alabaster
Marks and inscriptions
'P I E R I RO'
Dimensions
Height: 43.7 cm, Width: 15.2 cm
Object history note
Formerly in the collection of Captian Manhés, Périgueux, France. Int he possession of P. Nelson from whom it was on loan from 1924 to 1926. Acquired by Dr W.L. Hildburgh and on loan from him since 1926. Given by Dr Hildburgh in 1946.
Descriptive line
Panel, alabaster, St Paul, England, ca. 1400.
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
Cheetham, Francis. English Medieval Alabasters. Oxford: Phaidon-Christie's Limited, 1984. p. 135 (cat. 64), ill. ISBN 0-7148-8014-0
Exhibition History
Exposition de Sculptures anglaises et malinoises d'Âlbatre (Musées Royaux d'Art et d'Histoire, Brussels 29/09/1967-03/11/1967)
Materials
Paint; Gilt; Alabaster
Techniques
Painting; Carving; Gilding
Subjects depicted
Book; Sword; Cloak; Paul (Saint); Canopy
Categories
Sculpture; Religion; Christianity
Collection code
SCP
