Trinity In Alabaster - England - 15th Century

This magnificent relief representing the Trinity constitutes an exemplary testimony to the production of alabaster work in medieval England. From the 14th century, England became an important center for the production of alabaster works. Coming from quarries in the Midlands, alabaster is a specialty of Nottingham artisans. In the 15th century, the creation of small sculpted and painted panels mainly concerned images intended for private devotion, or altarpiece elements. These works, abundantly exported to the continent, contribute to the reputation of the Nottingham workshops. Following stereotypical models, these reliefs are then recognizable by their iconographic subjects, the skinny shapes of the figures represented, the conventional faces and the dry and rigid draperies. The work that we present here corresponds perfectly to this type of English production. This sculpture can be divided into three parts. The first concerns the six figures symmetrically located on either side of the relief. Two of them are located in the upper part of the relief, the head turned towards the interior of the composition, the left arm raised and the knees bent. They appear to be holding two unpreserved objects in their hands. They both wear a long dress and have wings. Two other angels are shown in the middle of the composition, on either side of the Cross. Represented in bust, the two characters collect the blood of Christ using small chalices. Finally, the last two angels face each other, located in the lower part of the composition, below the Cross. Shown kneeling, the two angels also hold a chalice in their hands and also collect the blood of Christ. The second part of the relief consists of a massive representation of God the Father, seated on a throne. He wears on his head a crown rendered in gold leaf, which can be found in his golden hair and beard. Both hands are raised and both make a sign of blessing. God wears long clothes with heavy folds. Finally, the last part concerns Christ, located between the legs of his Father, he is shown dead on the Cross, with golden hair, long arms and bent legs. Scenes evoking the Trinity are often found in this Nottingham production. Usually divided into three registers, it shows God the Father seated on a throne, his hands raised, making a gesture of blessing. It is framed by two thuriferous angels, that is to say incense bearers, shelters the crucified Christ, and dominates the angels collecting the blood of the Son.