This panel, carved in low relief with a head in profile (known as a ‘romayne’ head), is decorated with classical motifs, reflecting fashionable 16th century interest in the Renaissance or ‘Antique’ style. It would originally have been one of numerous panels, both plain and carved, that clad the interior walls of a particularly well-appointed room, providing rich colour and decoration as well as reducing draughts. Similar panels were also used for doors and moveable furniture. ‘Wainscot’ as such room panelling is also known takes its name from the contemporary term for the high quality, imported continental oak that was preferred for the thin panels with detailed carving because of its tight grain and even, regular character.
The decoration of the panel is similar to that of surviving panelled rooms from Boughton Malherbe, Kent, and Waltham Abbey, Essex, which date from about 1520 until 1540. Profiled heads, derived ultimately from classical medallions and coins, and classical candelabra were widely used as decoration in Britain from about 1520. Such motifs probably derive from printed designs published in Germany and the Netherlands, and were popularised by continental craftsmen working in Britain from the early 16th century onwards.
This panel was part of a collection of carved woodwork owned by Charles Marshall (1847- 1907), a solicitor and artist from East Retford, Nottinghamshire. He also collected old oak furniture, armour and other antiques, examples of which the museum purchased from him.