The Virgin fainting at the foot of the Cross, with St John and a holy woman
Relief
ca. 1530 (made)
ca. 1530 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Here St John and a female figure, possibly St Mary Magdalene, support the fainting Virgin. This group would originally have formed part of a Marian or Passion altarpiece, with a scene of the Crucifixion at its centre. An unusual feature is the upturned and twisted left hand of St John. This might suggest that the group was placed directly in front of the Cross. In most Passion altarpieces it would have stood well below it and to the left.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | The Virgin fainting at the foot of the Cross, with St John and a holy woman (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Carved oak, with later overpainting |
| Brief description | Relief, group from the Crucifixion. |
| Physical description | Relief in painted oak. The fainting Virgin is supported by St John, to the left, and by a woman, to the right. The colours mainly red and blue, have been freely restored. |
| Dimensions |
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| Credit line | Given by Miss E. Rothwell, in memory of Mr W. E. Miller |
| Object history | Given by Miss E . Rothwell, London in memory of Mr W.E. Miller. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | Here St John and a female figure, possibly St Mary Magdalene, support the fainting Virgin. This group would originally have formed part of a Marian or Passion altarpiece, with a scene of the Crucifixion at its centre. An unusual feature is the upturned and twisted left hand of St John. This might suggest that the group was placed directly in front of the Cross. In most Passion altarpieces it would have stood well below it and to the left. |
| Bibliographic reference | Williamson, Paul, Netherlandish Sculpture 1450-1550, London: Victoria and Albert Museum, 2002. 160p., ill. ISBN 1851773738. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | A.50-1940 |
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| Record created | December 10, 2002 |
| Record URL |
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