Crucifixion Plaque

3D Model

Early c10th Crucifixion Plaque. Limestone, 32 x 30 x 6 cm

In Kendal Museum, Cumbria, on permanent loan from Abbot Hall Art Gallery. First recorded in a catalogue for an auction of material from Lowther Castle.

It is important for 3 reasons:

It has unusually strong evidence of having been painted. The colours are described in detail here http://www.ascorpus.ac.uk/catvol2.php?pageNum_urls=150 .

It is an example of how designs were copied in different materials – this is probably derived from a brass plaque like the one from Clonmacnoise in the National History Museum, Dublin https://www.akg-images.fr/archive/-2UMDHUCSRM26.html.

It’s useful in understanding the design of the spectacular Gosforth Cross. https://skfb.ly/MAnY

I believe the piece may have come from the ancient St Kentigern’s Church, Askham, Cumbria, which was demolished and replaced in 1832 by St Peter’s Church designed by Sir Robert Smirke who was also working at the time on Lowther Castle.

Many thanks to all at Kendal Museum.