"Calvary". England, XV-XVI century.

"Calvary". England, XV-XVI century.
Relief on alabaster plate.
Wooden frame.
Measurements: 8 x 9,5 cm; 18 x 19,5 cm (frame).

Small English bas-relief in alabaster. The piece presents the scene of the Calvary: in the center, Christ crucified, of elongated body and face inclined towards a side. To his right appears the Virgin Mary, with her hands together in prayer; to the left appears St. John the Evangelist, in an attitude of mourning and contemplation of the Redeemer. In the background, we can distinguish an architecture that evokes the city of Jerusalem.

The style, of somewhat rigid figures but endowed with intense expressiveness, is in the English late Gothic tradition, with hints of incipient Renaissance naturalism. The use of alabaster, with a smooth surface and ivory tone, favored the meticulous work of the folds and faces.

These works, of small format, were made for private devotional purposes, although they were also exported throughout the European continent, being highly appreciated for their portability and their delicate narrative character.