Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
Medieval & Renaissance, Room 10

The Deposition

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

Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy Jewish councillor and secret disciple of Christ, obtained permission from Pilate to remove Christ's body from the cross. He is helped by Nicodemus, probably the figure at Christ's feet. The head of the Virgin (on the top left corner) is missing.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleThe Deposition (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Carved, painted and gilt alabaster
Brief description
Alabaster panel depicting the Deposition. English, 15th century.
Physical description
The dead body of Christ, bearded and wearing the torse on his head, which is inclined to his right, and naked but for the loincloth, is lowered from the cross by a bearded figure wearing a loose jacket, who stands on an upright ladder on the right of the panel. He holds Christ's left arm in both hands, turning towards the centre of the panel. Joseph of Arimathaea, bearded and wearing a long girded gown and a cloak, but not his traditional purse, receives the body of Christ, wrapping it in a cloth. A small bearded figure, presumably Nicodemus, wearing a tunic, kneels at the base of the cross holding Christ's feet with both hands. The lower part of a figure, doubtless of the Virgin Mary, remains on the left of the panel, holding Christ's right hand.

The top left corner of the panel is missing, including the head of the Virgin and possibly the head of St. John the Evangelist. The right-hand corners of the panel are missing. The carving is badly weathered. There are very slight traces of paint, in particular brown and gilt on Christ's hair. There are three lead-plugged holes in the back of the panel. The bottom has been cut away.
Dimensions
  • Height: 45.4cm
  • Width: 26.5cm
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 London. On loan to the Museum from Dr Hildburgh since before 1931. Given by Dr Hildburgh in 1946.
Subjects depicted
Summary
Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy Jewish councillor and secret disciple of Christ, obtained permission from Pilate to remove Christ's body from the cross. He is helped by Nicodemus, probably the figure at Christ's feet. The head of the Virgin (on the top left corner) is missing.
Bibliographic reference
Cheetham, Francis. English Medieval Alabasters. Oxford: Phaidon-Christie's Limited, 1984. p. 262 (cat. 189), ill. ISBN 0-7148-8014-0
Collection
Accession number
A.185-1946

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdNovember 27, 2002
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest