St Antony of Padua
- Object:
- Place of origin:
England, Great Britain (made)
- Date:
- Artist/Maker:
- Materials and Techniques:
- Credit Line:
Given by Dr W. L. Hildburgh FSA
- Museum number:
- Gallery location:
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Antony of Padua (1195-1231), preacher and doctor of the church, is shown dressed in his habit as a Franciscan friar. He carries his emblems, a book and a cluster of flames.
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.
Physical description
The beardless saint wears a Franciscan friar's habit with a cord tied round his waist and hanging down in front. His head is slightly inclined to the right, the eyes looking downwards. He holds a closed book with a clasp in his left hand; in his right, a rayed, flame-like object, which is his attribute.
The top of the panel has been cut away around the head and shoulders. No traces of paint survive. The back of the panel is marked with six horizontal lines, the second line down being crossed by three irregular vertical lines. There are four lead-plugged holes.
Place of Origin
England, Great Britain (made)
Date
15th century (made)
Artist/maker
Unknown (production)
Materials and Techniques
Carved alabaster
Marks and inscriptions
6 horizontal lines, the second line down crossed by 3 irregular vertical lines.
Dimensions
Height: 40.2 cm, Width: 16.7 cm
Object history note
Acquired by Dr W. L. Hildburgh in London. On loan to the Museum from Dr Hildburgh since 1926. Given by W. L. Hildburgh, 1946.
Historical significance: The carving of this saint is most unusual. No other medieval English alabaster representations are recorded.
Descriptive line
Alabaster panel depicting St Antony of Padua. English, 15th century.
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
Cheetham, Francis. English Medieval Alabasters. Oxford: Phaidon-Christie's Limited, 1984. p. 75 (cat. 4), ill. ISBN 0-7148-8014-0
Materials
Alabaster
Techniques
Carving
Subjects depicted
Book; Cord; Habits; Antony (Saint, of Padua)
Categories
Sculpture; Religion; Christianity
Collection code
SCP
