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Not currently on display at the V&A

The Ascension

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

This alabaster panel is representing the Ascension and is made in the late 14th century England.
The panel's design is one very frequently used of the Ascension in English alabaster. In the majority of English alabaster panels depicting the Ascension, the lower part only of Christ is represented at top of the panel.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleThe Ascension (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Carved, painted and gilt alabaster
Brief description
Panel, alabaster, depicting the Ascension, English, late 14th century
Physical description
The panel has chamfered edges, indicating a 14th-century date. The lower part of the body of Christ ascends into a stylized cloud from a small platform set on a mound in the centre of the panel. His feet are visible, carved on the folds of his gown. The bareheaded figure of the Virgin Mary, hands together in prayer, kneels looking up at Christ, facing the beardless figure of St. John the Evangelist, who holds the palm pointing downwards in his left hand. The figures of the ten other apostles, all bearded, but who, unusually, do not carry emblems, are represented grouped kneeling round the mound, looking upwards; those in the front of the panel rest a hand on the back of the figure in front.

A diagonal break runs from the left of the representation of heaven through the mound on the right of the panel where it subdivides. The top right and bottom left corners of the panel are chipped. A little green paint and the usual daisy pattern remain faintly on the ground at the bottom of the panel. Slight traces of green and red paint and gilding remain on the panel. The panel has been backed with slate.
Dimensions
  • Height: 40.8cm
  • Width: 30.2cm
From Cheetham, English Medieval Alabasters, 1984.
Style
Credit line
Given by Dr W. L. Hildburgh FSA
Object history
Previously belonged to the Rt. Hon. Earl of Carlisle and fixed with other alabasters of later date to the walls of the chapel at Naworth Castle, Cumbria. Acquired by Dr W.L. Hildburgh from the sale at Sotheby's (13 June 1947, lot 130). On loan to the Museum since 1947. Given by Dr Hildburgh in 1950.

Historical significance: The panel's design is one very frequently used of the Ascension in English alabaster. In the majority of English alabaster panels depicting the Ascension, the lower part only of Christ is represented at top of the panel.
Subjects depicted
Summary
This alabaster panel is representing the Ascension and is made in the late 14th century England.
The panel's design is one very frequently used of the Ascension in English alabaster. In the majority of English alabaster panels depicting the Ascension, the lower part only of Christ is represented at top of the panel.
Bibliographic references
  • Cheetham, Francis. English Medieval Alabasters. Oxford: Phaidon-Christie's Limited, 1984. p. 288 (cat. 215), ill. ISBN 0-7148-8014-0
  • English Medieval Alabaster Carvings : York Festival Exhibition. York : City of York Art Gallery, 1954 no.46
Collection
Accession number
A.27-1950

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Record createdNovember 28, 2002
Record URL
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