Alabaster panel depicting the Assumption of the Virgin. English, second half of 15th century.

The Virgin, already crowned, stands with her hands held together in prayer, in the centre of the panel in a mandorla on which a zigzag pattern is incised. She has a square-jawed face, and wears a gown and a cloak. The mandorla is held by three pairs of angels, one pair kneeling and two flying. The Virgin's eyelids are carved. God the Father, crowned and bearded and his right hand raised in blessing, is at the top of the panel above a broad wavy horizontal ledge indicating heaven. He is flanked by two angels whose hands are raised apart in an attitude of prayer.

The wings of the flying angels on the right of the panel are chipped. The left hand of God the Father is missing. The top of the panel and right-hand corner are chipped. Traces of green paint and the usual daisy pattern remain on the ground. Traces of red flecked with black are on the angels' wings. The halo behind God the Father is red. There are traces of gilding on the background at the top of the panel. There is some reddish-brown paint on the mandorla.

There are four holes in the back of the panel, three plugged with lead, two of which have the remains of latten wires. The bottom has been cut away.

Given by Dr W. L. Hildburgh FSA

Acquired by Dr W. L. Hildburgh in Paris. On loan from him since 1924. Given by Dr Hildburgh in 1946.

Historical significance: The broad wavy ledge indicating heaven is also found in an example in Ghent, although the ledge is much broader.

The term 'Assumption' refers to the taking up of the soul and body to Heaven. The Assumption of the Virgin Mary occurred three days after her Death. She is shown here already crowned being borne up in a mandorla by three pairs of angels.

A.62-1946