The Purification thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

The Purification

Relief
17th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This relief representing the Purification was probably made in the 17th century Florence. The wax has been broken and repaired but the modelling is fresh. The inscription, 'M. VB. MDXXI.' has been scratched on the wax in the foreground, but it is difficult to believe that it represents the date of its production, though certain features of the composition suggest that the relief may date from the 16th century.


Object details

Category
Object type
TitleThe Purification
Materials and techniques
Wax on slate
Brief description
Relief, wax, Italian (perhaps Florentine), 17th century
Physical description
Relief in wax on slate. In the middle distance, at the top of a flight of steps stands the High Priest holding the Child in his hands. A few steps lower the Virgin kneels before him. The rest of the scene is crowded with figures. In the left foreground an elderly man bends down to take some doves from a cage, while behind him a youth lights a torch from the Paschal candle. In the right foreground a woman with a child in her arms descends the steps. The background and upper part of the composition are filled with figures and angels.
Dimensions
  • Height: 20.5cm
  • Width: 16cm
Marks and inscriptions
'M.VB.MDXXI.' (This inscription has been scratched on the wax in the foreground, but it is difficult to believe that it represents the date of its production, though certain features of the composition suggest that the relief may date from the 16th century.)
Credit line
Given by Mr Richmond Moore through Art Fund
Object history
Former owner Mr. Richmond Moore stated in a letter that the wax was bought in Rome in 1877.
Subjects depicted
Summary
This relief representing the Purification was probably made in the 17th century Florence. The wax has been broken and repaired but the modelling is fresh. The inscription, 'M. VB. MDXXI.' has been scratched on the wax in the foreground, but it is difficult to believe that it represents the date of its production, though certain features of the composition suggest that the relief may date from the 16th century.
Bibliographic reference
Victoria and Albert Museum, Review of the Principal Acquisitions During the Year 1930. London. p. 13.
Collection
Accession number
A.86-1930

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Record createdMarch 11, 2004
Record URL
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