This is the most simple design recorded of an English alabaster panel representing the Crucifixion. The Crucifixion was frequently the subject of the central panel of Passion altarpieces, although this panel was probably from a tomb rather than a retable as suggested by the wire attachments on the back of the panel and its unusual thickness.
Physical description
This deeply carved panel has a carefully moulded frame and a very simple design, both indicating a 14th-century date. The haloed and bearded Christ, wearing the torse and naked but for a loincloth, is in the centre of the panel on the cross, which has a stepped base set into the panel frame. His head is inclined to the left, and his right side is marked with a wound. On the left of the panel is the figure of the Virgin Mary, wearing a gown and a cloak. She is turned towards the centre, her hands clasped together. She stands on a shallow pedestal, set into the frame of the panel. St. John the Evangelist, wearing a gown and a cloak, stands on a simlar projection on the right, his right hand held against his head, his left supporting his elbow in a traditional gesture of sorrow.
The faces of all the figures are seriously damaged. The top right and the bottom corners of the panel are broken off, the edges of the panel are chipped and there is a crack, top right. The panel is scratched at random with initials. The surface is weathered. There are two holes drilled right through the panel on either side of the top of the cross, probably to suspend the panel for display at a later date.
No paint remains on the panel. The back of the panel bears none of the usual metal loops.
Place of Origin
England, Great Britain (made)
Date
late 14th century (made)
Artist/maker
Unknown (production)
Materials and Techniques
Carved alabaster
Dimensions
Height: 43.5 cm, Width: 32.9 cm
Object history note
Found in Chester by P. Nelson from whom it was acquired by Dr W.L.Hildburgh. On loan from him since 1926. Given by Dr Hildburgh in 1946.
Historical significance: This is the most simple design recorded of an Egnlish alabaster panel of the Crucifixion. The Crucifixion was frequently the subject of the central panel of Passion altarpieces, but this panel was probably from a tomb (or, less likely, a font) rather than from a retable. The absence of wire attachments on the back of the panel and its unusual thickness (7.5 cm) give support to this idea.
Descriptive line
Panel, alabaster, The Crucifixion, England, late 14th century.
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
Cheetham, Francis. English Medieval Alabasters. Oxford: Phaidon-Christie's Limited, 1984. p. 244 (cat. 171), ill. ISBN 0-7148-8014-0
Materials
Alabaster
Techniques
Carving
Subjects depicted
Mary (Virgin Mary); Cross; Cloak; Halo; John (Saint John the Evangelist); Christ; Gown; Torse; Loincloth
Categories
Sculpture; Religion; Christianity
Collection code
SCP
