Alabaster panel depicting St James (?) preaching. French (?), late 15th century.

A figure who may be St. James, or even possibly Christ, stands in a crenellated pulpit on the left of the panel. Behind his head is a large carved fluted halo. His right arm is raised; his left rests on the top of the pulpit. He preaches to a group of five men, two of whom are clean-shaven, and two women, one of whom holds a rosary in her left hand. Across the top of the panel is a scroll. The panel has been placed in a modern alabaster frame.

The left arm of the seated male figure is missing. There are traces of green at the bottom of the panel with the remains of a daisy pattern. Traces of dark paint remain on the pulpit, the halo and on the background. The painted inscription on the scroll has virtually disappeared. The panel has been completely backed with a modern slab of alabaster strengthened with two long brass strips.

Given by Dr W. L. Hildburgh FSA

Originally in the collection of Murray Marks. Acquired by P. Nelson from whom Dr W.L. Hildburgh acquired the relief. On loan to the Museum from Dr Hildburgh since 1926. Given by Dr Hildburgh in 1946.

The panel looks French with its fine carving of facial features (although the hands are coarsely carved), and with the scroll and halo which are of shapes uncharacteristic of English work. Also uncharacteristic are the carved raised flower patterns on the background. But there is nevertheless considerable English influence.

A figure who may be St James, or possibly even Jesus himself, is shown standing on a crenellated pulpit on the left of the panel. Behind his head there is a large carved fluted halo. His right arm is raised and his left rests on the top of the pulpit. He preaches to a group of five men, two of whom are clean-shaven and two women one of whom holds a rosary in her left hand. Across the top of the panel there is a scroll.

A.123-1946