English, Nottingham, first half 15th century

Sold Launir, Paris, 30 November 1982, lot 107

Overall the condition of the relief is good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are remnants of gilding in areas, in particular to the hair and beards and to the background at the top, and some red remains on the lips, as well as other traces of polychromy. Some of the gilding has darkened in places. There are minor abrasions to the high points throughout, including the noses, and some minor restorations are visible at the tips of some of the noses. There are a few small chips, including to the outer edges, to Christ's beard and to St Peter's beard. The top left corner of the relief is lost. There is some rubbing to the carving at the high points. The wood mount is in good condition with some wear, including evidence of past worming. The paintwork has flaked in areas, notably to the sides of the skirting board and to the edges.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Christ washing the feet of the Apostles is one of the rarest subjects in the corpus of Nottingham alabaster carvings. Francis Cheetham, in his seminal study, Alabaster Images of Medieval England, lists only four examples, one of which is in the National Museum of Warsaw (op. cit., p. 107). The present panel is particularly striking because of the rows of Apostles, most of whom wear beards in differing styles, and which create a beautiful visual cadence running through the scene. The drapery is superbly carved, whilst the panel preserves the gold ground with dots for (now lost) gilt gesso pastilles, which are typical of Nottingham alabasters carved from the mid to late 15^th century.

Alabaster was quarried near Derby, west of Nottingham, from the Middle Ages onwards. Initially it was used in tomb carving and although unsuitable for outdoor use its popularity increased and it was carved as figures and reliefs illustrating the Life of Christ and the Saints. It was easy to carve as well as to paint with vivid medieval paints, which, in many, instances remain. By the 15^th century reaching as far north as Iceland and as far south as Spain and the Mediterranean. Although these reliefs were carved in a number of places, such as Burton-on-Trent, Chellaston, York and even London, it was Nottingham, which was the major centre for production. Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539, the industry suffered as the number of commissions shrank away, dying out completely by the end of the reign of King Henry VIII in 1547.

RELATED LITERATURE
F. Cheetham, Alabaster Images of Medieval England, Woodbridge, 2003, p. 107