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Not currently on display at the V&A

St Jude

Panel
late 14th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The bearded Saint Jude is shown seated in a recess in the panel, his feet resting on a ledge. In his right hand he holds two of his emblems, a boat and a double-ringed anchors attached to it and in his left hand he clasps an oar, another of his emblems, the top of which as been incorrectly restored.

Saints are the heroes and heroines of Christian faith. In the 14th and 15th centuries, they were a popular subject for alabaster carvings. Religious themes penetrated private life, so devotional images of saints were sculpted not only for church interiors, but also for individuals to contemplate within the privacy of their homes.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleSt Jude (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Carved, painted and gilt alabaster
Brief description
Panel, alabaster, St Jude. English, late 14th century.
Physical description
The carefully chamfered frame at the edges of the panel indicates a late 14th-century date. The bearded figure of the saint is seated in a recess in the panel, his feet resting on a ledge. He is wearing a robe and the cloak round his shoulders is draped over his knees from the left. In his right hand he holds two of this emblems, a boat and a double-ringed anchor attached to it. In his left hand he clasps an oar, another of his emblems, the top of which has been incorrectly restored.

The top part of the panel above the saint's head is a restoration, the rounded arch shape being incorrect. A diagonal break across the panel at the level of the anchor has been repaired. There are more cracks at the level of the boat. The top of the oar and the saint's left hand are restorations.

Green paint, now darkened, and the usual daisy pattern remain on the ground. The gilding on the background may not be original, since it is also to be seen on the background of the restored top of the panel. Some traces of gilding and red colour remain on the figure.

The back of the panel bears two holes plugged with lead. A small area has been scooped away near the middle of the panel.
Dimensions
  • Height: 41.2cm
  • Width: 15.1cm
From Cheetham, English Medieval Alabasters, 1984.
Style
Credit line
Given by Dr W. L. Hildburgh FSA
Object history
Formerly in Brittany. Acquired by P. Nelson from whom it was later acquired by Dr W.L. Hildburgh. On loan from him since 1926. Given by Dr Hildburgh in 1946.
Subjects depicted
Summary
The bearded Saint Jude is shown seated in a recess in the panel, his feet resting on a ledge. In his right hand he holds two of his emblems, a boat and a double-ringed anchors attached to it and in his left hand he clasps an oar, another of his emblems, the top of which as been incorrectly restored.

Saints are the heroes and heroines of Christian faith. In the 14th and 15th centuries, they were a popular subject for alabaster carvings. Religious themes penetrated private life, so devotional images of saints were sculpted not only for church interiors, but also for individuals to contemplate within the privacy of their homes.
Bibliographic reference
Cheetham, Francis. English Medieval Alabasters. Oxford: Phaidon-Christie's Limited, 1984. p. 124 (cat. 53), ill. ISBN 0-7148-8014-0
Collection
Accession number
A.128-1946

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Record createdNovember 21, 2002
Record URL
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