The Resurrection
Panel
late 14th century (made)
late 14th century (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
This alabaster panel representing the Resurrection was probably made in the late 14th century England. The simplicity of design and chamfered edging of this panel are indicative of an early date of the development of English alabaster sculpture.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Title | The Resurrection (generic title) |
Materials and techniques | Carved alabaster |
Brief description | Alabaster panel depicting the Resurrection. English, late 14th century. |
Physical description | The edges of the panel are chamfered and form a frame which, together with the relatively simple design, indicates a 14th-century date. The bearded figure of Christ, shallow holes drilled in the eyes to represent pupils, wears the torse and the shroud draped from his right shoulder and over his right arm. His right hand is raised in blessing and he holds in his left hand the cross-staff and banner of the Resurrection, symbolizing his victory over death. He steps with his right foot from the tomb, which is shown resting on uneven ground. He steps onto the back of a soldier who lies face down, and who wears a basinet, a tippet of mail, a jupon and a belt, holding in both hands a battle-axe on the ground beside him. A similar seated figure of a soldier is represented asleep sitting on the inside edge of the tomb, his left leg over the front and resting his right elbow on a square shield which he holds with his left hand. Another sleeping soldier is shown behind the tomb on the left of the panel, leaning on the edge of the tomb with his arms. The right arm and the bottom of the shaft of the cross-staff and the bottom left corner of the panel are missing. No paint remains on the panel. The back of the panel bears four rectangular-shaped lead plugs and the remains of latten wires. |
Dimensions |
|
Style | |
Credit line | Bequeathed by Lt. Col. G. B. Croft-Lyons FSA |
Object history | Bequeathed by Lt. Col. G.B. Croft-Lyons F.S.A. in 1926. Historical significance: Apparently one of the earliest Resurrection panels to survive. Most panels show more than three soldiers. Resurrection panels are among the most common and were clearly one of the most popular of all the subjects to be carved by the alabastermen. The placing of one of Christ's feet actually on a sleeping soldier is the attitude usually represented by the alabaster carvers, but very rarely shown in continental art of the period. It has been suggested the influence of contemporary mystery plays was responsible both for the conventional stone tomb, instead of the original cave-like sepulchre described in the gospels, and for the action of the risen Christ. |
Subjects depicted | |
Summary | This alabaster panel representing the Resurrection was probably made in the late 14th century England. The simplicity of design and chamfered edging of this panel are indicative of an early date of the development of English alabaster sculpture. |
Bibliographic references |
|
Collection | |
Accession number | A.61-1926 |
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
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
Record created | December 4, 2002 |
Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest