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Not currently on display at the V&A

The Resurrection

Panel
early 15th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Christ is shown with his right hand raised in blessing and holding a cross-staff in his left hand, stepping from the tomb. He places His right foot on the chest of a recumbend soldier in front of the tomb. Another soldier sits on the tomb, holding a weapon (now missing) in his left hand. A third soldier is behind the tomb leaning on it to sleep.

This panel has an embattled top and is turreted at the corners, which was popular in the early 15th century.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleThe Resurrection (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Carved, painted and gilt alabaster
Brief description
Panel, alabaster, The Resurrection, England, early 15th century.
Physical description
The panel has an embattled top, turreted at the corners. The haloed and bearded Christ, wearing the torse and the loincloth and with the shroud draped over his shoulders, his right arm raised in blessing, holds in his left hand the cross-staff and banner of the Resurrection. He steps from the tomb onto the chest of a moustachioed soldier, who lies on a raised piece of ground in front of the tomb, holding in his right hand a battle-axe on the ground beside him. He wears a pointed basinet and tippet of mail, a low-belted jupon, gauntlets and armour. Another soldier, wearing a short, belted tunic is seated on the right of the tomb, holding the shaft of a spear (?) between his knees with his left hand, and turning to look up at Christ. A third soldier is represented asleep behind the tomb, leaning on it, his head resting on his hands, and a lance beside him. The basinet only of a fourth soldier is to be seen on the right of the panel behind Christ's left arm.

The top left corner of the panel is missing. The cross of Christ's staff and the top of the right-hand soldier's weapon are missing, and the face of Christ is badly worn. Green paint remains on the ground at the bottom of the panel. Much gilding still remains on the background of the panel with traces of gesso knobs. There are traces of gilding and red paint on the figures. The back of the panel has three holes filled with lead.
Dimensions
  • Height: 42.5cm
  • Width: 27.7cm
From Cheetham, English Medieval Alabasters, 1984.
Style
Credit line
Given by Dr W. L. Hildburgh FSA
Object history
Acquired by Dr W. L. Hildburgh in Berlin. On loan from him to the Museum since 1930. Given by Dr Hildburgh in 1946.
Subjects depicted
Summary
Christ is shown with his right hand raised in blessing and holding a cross-staff in his left hand, stepping from the tomb. He places His right foot on the chest of a recumbend soldier in front of the tomb. Another soldier sits on the tomb, holding a weapon (now missing) in his left hand. A third soldier is behind the tomb leaning on it to sleep.

This panel has an embattled top and is turreted at the corners, which was popular in the early 15th century.
Bibliographic reference
Cheetham, Francis. English Medieval Alabasters. Oxford: Phaidon-Christie's Limited, 1984. p. 276 (cat. 203), ill. ISBN 0-7148-8014-0
Collection
Accession number
A.175-1946

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Record createdNovember 26, 2002
Record URL
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