- 80
English, Nottingham, 15th century
Estimate
15,000 - 25,000 GBP
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Description
- Relief with the Consecration of St Thomas Becket as Archbishop of Canterbury
- partially polychromed alabaster, on a modern metal stand
- English, Nottingham, 15th century
Literature
F. Cheetham, Alabaster Images of Medieval England, Woodbridge, 2003, p. 66, no. 10, pl. 89
Condition
Overall the condition of the alabaster is good considering the age of the relief. There is dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are a number of losses, including to the left Bishop's hands, to the lower section of the crucifix in the top right corner and to the top of the crozier in the top left corner. There appear to be restorations along the top edge - both corners appear to be restored, as does the centre of the relief at the top. There is some slight weathering to the surface of the relief.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
Devotional images and altarpieces dedicated to Thomas Becket (1118-1170), Archbishop of Canterbury, were popular throughout Europe until the 16th century. In England, Henry VIII destroyed as many as he could find. However, Francis Cheetham illustrates several surviving examples now in public and private collections, including those in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, and in Leicester City Museum (on loan from St Bernard's Abbey, Coalville) (Cheetham 2003, op. cit. p. 65).
RELATED LITERATURE
F. Cheetham, English Medieval alabasters, with a catalogue of the collection in the Victoria and Albert Museum, Oxford, 1984, p. 153, no. 82; F. Cheetham, The Alabaster men. Sacred images from medieval England, exh. cat. Daniel Katz Ltd, London, 2001
RELATED LITERATURE
F. Cheetham, English Medieval alabasters, with a catalogue of the collection in the Victoria and Albert Museum, Oxford, 1984, p. 153, no. 82; F. Cheetham, The Alabaster men. Sacred images from medieval England, exh. cat. Daniel Katz Ltd, London, 2001