Thursday, February 4, 2016

English alabaster religious carvings, 15-16th centuries

The Annunciation
late 15th century
Alabaster, carved in England
Victoria & Albert Museum

Episodes from the life of Christ were elaborated in Europe and new ones invented as the centuries passed. Each incident  whether Scriptural or legendary  could be visualized as a tableau, with each tableau carrying the full weight of infinite significance. During the 15th century the story was often told by means of small alabaster reliefs  like these from the Victoria & Albert Museum.

The Visitation
15th century
Alabaster, carved in England
Victoria & Albert Museum

The Birth of St John the Baptist 
early 16th century
Alabaster, carved in France
Victoria & Albert Museum

Mary & Joseph with Midwives, Adoring the Christ Child
15th century
Alabaster, carved in England
Victoria & Albert Museum

The Betrayal of Christ
15th century
Alabaster, carved in England
Victoria & Albert Museum

Christ before Herod
early 16th century
Alabaster, carved in England
Victoria & Albert Museum

Christ Bearing the Cross
 15th century
Alabaster, carved in England
Victoria & Albert Museum

Christ Nailed to the Cross
15th century
Alabaster, carved in England
Victoria & Albert Museum

The Deposition
15th century
Alabaster, carved in England
Victoria & Albert Museum

The Entombment
15th century
Alabaster, carved in England
Victoria & Albert Museum

The Harrowing of Hell
15th century
Alabaster, carved in England
Victoria & Albert Museum

The Resurrection
15th century
Alabaster, carved in England
Victoria & Albert Museum

The Ascension
15th century
Alabaster, carved in England
Victoria & Albert Museum

The Trinity
16th century
Alabaster, carved in England
Victoria & Albert Museum

In the alabaster Trinity above, there is a dowel-hole visible at the top of the Cross. This was originally used to attach a carved dove, now missing.