St Stephen
Panel
15th century (made)
15th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
The beardless Saint Stephen stands with five stones in his left hand and a stone on his head, symbolising his martyrdom by stoning. He wears the deacon's tunic, dalmatic and amice. The shape of the stones is reminiscent of small medieval loaves as represented in figures of St Philip.
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.
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 | |
| Title | St Stephen (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Carved and painted alabaster |
| Brief description | Alabaster panel depicting St Stephen. English, 15th century. |
| Physical description | The beardless saint stands with five stones in his left hand and a stone on his head. He wears the deacon's tunic, dalmatic and amice. The saint's right hand and possibly a book carried in it are missing. The top corners of the panel are missing. There are traces of light green paint on the robe and background which appear not to be original. The back of the panel is marked with four diagonal strokes intersected by a slanting stroke. 'St. Protoy' is also scratched on the back. There are two lead-plugged holes with the remains of latten wires attached. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Marks and inscriptions |
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| Credit line | Given by Dr W. L. Hildburgh FSA |
| Object history | Acquired by Dr W. L. Hildburgh in Paris. On loan since 1928. Given by Dr Hildburgh in 1946. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | The beardless Saint Stephen stands with five stones in his left hand and a stone on his head, symbolising his martyrdom by stoning. He wears the deacon's tunic, dalmatic and amice. The shape of the stones is reminiscent of small medieval loaves as represented in figures of St Philip. 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. 150 (cat. 79), ill. ISBN 0-7148-8014-0 |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | A.151-1946 |
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| Record created | November 22, 2002 |
| Record URL |
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