Images(2)

John the Baptist with Angels

Artist Artist Unknown

DateMid 15th Century

Object NameCarving

Mediumalabaster

ClassificationsSculptures

DimensionsOverall: Height: 25.5 cm, Width: 15.2 cm

AcquisitionPurchased in 1954.

CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0

LocationOn Display - Gallery 07

Object numberABDAG008633

Keywords

About MeNottingham alabaster is a term used to refer to the English sculpture industry, mostly of relatively small religious carvings, which flourished from the fourteenth century until the English Reformation. Traces of paint and gilding indicate that the entire piece would originally have been coloured.

The subject is the soul of John the Baptist, symbolised by his head, looking down at the Lamb of God (Agnus Dei), a very well known image in Catholic iconography which was originally used to refer to Jesus Christ in his role of the perfect sacrificial offering who atones for the sins of humanity. The Lamb is flanked by Saints Peter and Thomas à Becket, both of whom were famous martyrs. Thus the theme of the piece is martyrdom by the state for devotion to Christ which would have struck a very resonant chord with the Catholic community after the Reformation.

More About Me

Collections Wall

We recognise a head looking down at the Sacrificial Lamb as John the Baptist. On the left stands St. Thomas Becket. Then who might the figure carrying the key be?

Exhibitions

Gallery 07 - Exploring Art