Alabaster statuette depicting St Christopher. English, 15th century.

The bearded saint is looking to his left, wading through water, his right leg bent at the knee in a very awkward position. On his left shoulder he bears the haloed Christ Child, who blesses him with his right hand and holds an orb in his left. He is kneeling on his right knee. His left foot is supported by the saint's left hand. In his right hand the saint holds a staff. He wears a Phrygian cap, and a cloak draped from his right shoulder leaving his legs uncovered.

The staff is broken below the saint's hand. The carving is cracked right across just above the water. There is red paint on the folds of the saint's cloak, with green and brown paint on the top of his staff. There is light green paint on the water which looks modern. The back of the figure is marked with an 'X,' a pair of vertical parallel lines and three horizontal parallel lines. The bottom has been cut away.

Given by Dr W. L. Hildburgh FSA

Acquired by Dr W. L. Hildburgh in Paris. On loan to the Museum from Dr Hildburgh since 1920. Given by Dr Hildburgh in 1946.

The bearded saints is shown wading through water, bearing the Christ Child on his shoulder. This image references to the popular medieval legend which has made him the patron saint of travellers.

A.21-1946