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Holt Antique Furniture
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+44 7551 383897
15thC Nottingham Antique Alabaster c1450 the last supper
An exceptionally rare find.
A late 15th Century English antique alabaster panel depicting the last supper, circa 1450.
Possibly removed from a monastery during the dissolution of the Monasteries between 1536 -1541 instigated by King Henry VIII when he broke away from the Catholic Church.
Presented within a later ebonised frame.
Dimensions : Without frame W 12" x H 11 3/4" / With Frame W 16" x H 14 3/4"
Condition – as per images. Losses and restorations. The majority of the work remains in tact.
A brief history of Nottingham Alabaster:
Nottingham 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 early sixteenth century. Alabaster carvers were at work in London, York and Burton-on-Trent, and many probably worked very close to the rural mines, but the largest concentration was around Nottingham. This has led to all the English medieval output being referred to as "Nottingham alabaster".
Alabaster is a mineral composed of gypsum and various impurities, is much softer and easier to work than marble and a good material for mass production, though not suitable for outdoors use. Carvings were made as single figures, assemblies for tomb monuments, including full -length effigies, but the most common survivals are panels, up to about 20 inches or 50 cm high, from sets for altarpieces, which could be transported relatively easily, and fitted into a locally-made architectural surround of stone or wood on arrival at their destination. These were attractive for less wealthy churches, and for the private chapels of the nobility. Some complete ensembles survive, showing varied numbers of panels the dimensions of the Nativity illustrated are typical. The subjects were the same as in painted altarpieces, often including short cycles of the Life of Christ, especially the Passion of Christ, or the Life of the Virgin. Since the sets were probably generally not made to a specific commission, unlike paintings, there are fewer local or patron saints.
Throughout the period of their production Nottingham alabaster images were hugely popular in Europe and were exported in large quantities, some ending up as far afield as Iceland, Croatia and Poland. But by far the greatest export market for these images was in France, where even today some churches retain in situ their English alabaster altarpieces, unlike England, where survivals are extremely rare. The sculptures were normally brightly painted, sometimes all over, sometimes partially, but much of the paint has often been lost, and many pieces have had the rest completely removed by dealers, collectors or museums in the past. Most alabaster altarpieces and religious carvings other than church monuments remaining in England were destroyed in the English Reformation, after which the many workshops had to change their products to concentrate on church monuments.
Our fine example has been sourced in the UK.
We ship worldwide!
Buy with confidence too!
We are a member of LAPADA (London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association) and CINOA. LAPADA is the UK’s largest trade association for professional art & antiques dealers (representing approximately 500 UK dealer members). CINOA is the world association of Art & Antique dealer associations (representing 5000 dealers from 32 associations in 22 countries).
All items are backed by our LAPADA guarantee.
Want further information or wish to purchase this item or discuss shipping costs?
Tel: 07551 383897 (line open 9.30 am to 5.30 pm Monday to Saturday UK time) where we can take payment over the phone OR
Email us with your contact details via the "Contact Us" tab quoting the stock reference number and we will respond and make contact with you within 24 hours of receipt.
SellerHolt Antique Furniture
View all stock from
Holt Antique Furniture
63 High Street
Little Walsingham,
Norfolk
England, UK
NR22 6BZ
Tel : 07551 383897
Non UK callers : +44 7551 383897
Get directions to Holt Antique Furniture
A late 15th Century English antique alabaster panel depicting the last supper, circa 1450.
Possibly removed from a monastery during the dissolution of the Monasteries between 1536 -1541 instigated by King Henry VIII when he broke away from the Catholic Church.
Presented within a later ebonised frame.
Dimensions : Without frame W 12" x H 11 3/4" / With Frame W 16" x H 14 3/4"
Condition – as per images. Losses and restorations. The majority of the work remains in tact.
A brief history of Nottingham Alabaster:
Nottingham 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 early sixteenth century. Alabaster carvers were at work in London, York and Burton-on-Trent, and many probably worked very close to the rural mines, but the largest concentration was around Nottingham. This has led to all the English medieval output being referred to as "Nottingham alabaster".
Alabaster is a mineral composed of gypsum and various impurities, is much softer and easier to work than marble and a good material for mass production, though not suitable for outdoors use. Carvings were made as single figures, assemblies for tomb monuments, including full -length effigies, but the most common survivals are panels, up to about 20 inches or 50 cm high, from sets for altarpieces, which could be transported relatively easily, and fitted into a locally-made architectural surround of stone or wood on arrival at their destination. These were attractive for less wealthy churches, and for the private chapels of the nobility. Some complete ensembles survive, showing varied numbers of panels the dimensions of the Nativity illustrated are typical. The subjects were the same as in painted altarpieces, often including short cycles of the Life of Christ, especially the Passion of Christ, or the Life of the Virgin. Since the sets were probably generally not made to a specific commission, unlike paintings, there are fewer local or patron saints.
Throughout the period of their production Nottingham alabaster images were hugely popular in Europe and were exported in large quantities, some ending up as far afield as Iceland, Croatia and Poland. But by far the greatest export market for these images was in France, where even today some churches retain in situ their English alabaster altarpieces, unlike England, where survivals are extremely rare. The sculptures were normally brightly painted, sometimes all over, sometimes partially, but much of the paint has often been lost, and many pieces have had the rest completely removed by dealers, collectors or museums in the past. Most alabaster altarpieces and religious carvings other than church monuments remaining in England were destroyed in the English Reformation, after which the many workshops had to change their products to concentrate on church monuments.
Our fine example has been sourced in the UK.
We ship worldwide!
Buy with confidence too!
We are a member of LAPADA (London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association) and CINOA. LAPADA is the UK’s largest trade association for professional art & antiques dealers (representing approximately 500 UK dealer members). CINOA is the world association of Art & Antique dealer associations (representing 5000 dealers from 32 associations in 22 countries).
All items are backed by our LAPADA guarantee.
Want further information or wish to purchase this item or discuss shipping costs?
Tel: 07551 383897 (line open 9.30 am to 5.30 pm Monday to Saturday UK time) where we can take payment over the phone OR
Email us with your contact details via the "Contact Us" tab quoting the stock reference number and we will respond and make contact with you within 24 hours of receipt.
Price The price has been listed in British Pounds.
Conversion rates as of 2/JAN/2025. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer. Flat price - no offers please.
Category Architectural Antiques - Salvage - Reclamation
Date 1450
Pre 16th Century Antiques Material Alabaster
Origin English
Condition See images
Item code as219a118 / HAF4408
Status Sold
£9000.00 
$11137.50 
€10840.50 
$
€
Conversion rates as of 2/JAN/2025. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer. Flat price - no offers please.
View all stock from
Holt Antique Furniture
63 High StreetLittle Walsingham,
Norfolk
England, UK
NR22 6BZ
Tel : 07551 383897
Non UK callers : +44 7551 383897
Get directions to Holt Antique Furniture
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