The Trinity
Statuette
early 16th century (made)
early 16th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This is the simplest type of Trinity showing the seated figure of God the Father, bearded and crowned, with God the Son on the cross. The dove representing the Holy Spirit would have been attached by the dowel hole on the cross.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | The Trinity (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Carved, painted and gilt alabaster |
| Brief description | Alabaster statuette depicting the Trinity. English, early 16th century. |
| Physical description | The crowned figure of God the Father has, unusually, a spade-shaped beard. He wears a gown and cloak and is enthroned with his hands raised in blessing. His eyelids are carved. The cross bearing the bearded Christ, his hair hanging down and wearing the torse and short drawers instead of the usual loincloth, is between his knees. The Holy Spirit is not represented, but there is a dowel hole containing a wooden plug at the top of the cross by which the Dove was doubtless attached. The carving has a very 'heavy' look. The hands of God the Father and the crown are damaged. Gilding remains on crown, hair and beards. There are slight traces of green colour and the usual daisy pattern at the bottom of the carving. There are also traces of red in the folds of the garments. The back of the figure has been scooped out. There are two lead-plugged holes with latten wires attached. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Credit line | Given by Dr W. L. Hildburgh FSA |
| Object history | Found by P. Nelson in the Upper House at Madeley, Shropshire. Acquired by Dr W.L. Hildburgh from P. Nelson. On loan from Dr Hildburgh since 1926. Given by Dr Hildburgh in 1946. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This is the simplest type of Trinity showing the seated figure of God the Father, bearded and crowned, with God the Son on the cross. The dove representing the Holy Spirit would have been attached by the dowel hole on the cross. |
| Bibliographic reference | Cheetham, Francis. English Medieval Alabasters. Oxford: Phaidon-Christie's Limited, 1984. p. 299 (cat. 225), ill. ISBN 0-7148-8014-0 |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | A.88-1946 |
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| Record created | November 18, 2002 |
| Record URL |
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