Jul 21, 2011
Jul 21, 2011
Jul 21, 2011
Jul 21, 2011

Mourning Saint John

Mourning Saint John

c. 1240–1260

Painted wood

Overall: 43.8 x 11.5 cm (17 1/4 x 4 1/2 in.)

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Severance A. Millikin 1958.189

Description

These traditional devotional figures at one time formed a Crucifixion group with a Crucified Christ (now lost). The ensemble may have been mounted high above the entrance to the sanctuary of a church on a barrier called a rood beam, beyond which lay people were not allowed. Crucifixion groups were common in medieval churches where they symbolized the sacrifice and real presence of Christ in the Mass.

See also
Collection: 
MED - Gothic
Department: 
Medieval Art
Type of artwork: 
Sculpture
Medium: 
Painted wood

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