English alabaster relief Christ's descent into Limbo

Christ’s descent into Limbo.

England, second half of 15th century.

Carved alabaster relief  32 x 26 cms. on modern black painted steel stand.

Although the top part of this panel has been lost, the carving retains its impact as a work of art.  It is also of much art historical interest in relation to the sources used by the alabastermen, the iconography of the panels and their methods of production. 

This is a rare subject, for which the Golden Legend is clearly the main direct or indirect source. The panel represents the apocryphal story from the gospel of Nicodemus, which is retold in The Golden Legend, of how Christ descended into Limbo to lead out from Hell Adam and the patriarchs and prophets of the Old Testament who had died before he redeemed mankind. 

Christ stands on the right of the panel.  He wears a three-quarter length robe which hangs from his shoulders, leaving his chest bare, and a full-length cloak with broad sleeves.  His feet are bare.  His head is missing.  In his left hand he would have held the cross-staff of the Resurrection but this is lost.  His right hand grasps the right hand of Adam as he ushers him from the jaws of Hell.  Adam, with a scrolled beard, is naked.  He raises his left hand in acknowledgement of Christ.  He is followed by Eve, again naked, with her hands clasped in prayer.  In the background is the right leg of another figure emerging from Hell whose face would have been in the lost section of the panel.  Behind Eve, the left side of the panel is taken up by the enormous jaws of Leviathan representing the jaws of Hell.  Again, the uppermost part is lost.  It may have been surmounted by a representation of a devil as the gatekeeper of Hell. 

The composition is spacious and the carving is sophisticated and elegant. 

Dimensions

Price on application

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance

Condition report