Relief, alabaster, The Crucifixion, England, late 14th century

Alabaster panel, chamfered edges. Christ naked but for the loincloth, is shown on the cross, his right foot resting on his left. The cross is set into a moulded base. The Virgin Mary, wearing a gown and a cloak slipping from her shoulders, leans to the left resting her head on the head of one of the Marys, who holds her right hand. She is supported round the waist by the other Mary who stands behind her. The beardless figure of St John the Evangelist stands behind the group, looking up at Christ with a palm on his right shoulder. The centurion, with a forked beard and wearing a long full cloak, stands on the right of the cross. His right hand is gloved and raised, pointing at Christ. His left hand, the arm covered by his cloak, holds the handle of a dagger on his right side. Next to him, standing on the right of the panel, and turned to face him is the figure of a soldier, wearing typical fourteenth-century armour. He wears a pointed basinet with a tippet of mail, knee-guards and a jupon with a low belt. He holds a battle-axe in front of him, the shaft resting on the ground. Two more soldiers stand behind him, the figure on the right holding a staff with his left hand. The whole of the top of this large and heavy panel is missing, including the head and arms of the figure of Christ.

Given by Dr W. L. Hildburgh FSA

This alabaster panel shows Jesus on the cross. On the left the Virgin Mary is shown leaning on one of the other Marys and on the right St John the Evangelist, in amongst a group of soldiers is shown looking up at Jesus. One of the soldiers is shown wearing armour typical of the fourteenth century.

A.50-1946