The Entombment thumbnail 1
The Entombment thumbnail 2
Not currently on display at the V&A

The Entombment

Relief
ca. 1550-1600 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This alabaster relief depicts the entombment of Christ. This relief originally formed the central part of a small altarpiece. Such altarpieces were produced in great numbers in the Netherlands and were also exported across the continent. Alabaster, a fine grained form of gypsum, is a smooth marble-like stone that was popular for the carving of religious sculpture. Softer than marble, it was much easier to carve and also considerably cheaper.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleThe Entombment (popular title)
Materials and techniques
Alabaster carved in relief
Brief description
Relief, the Entombment, carved alabaster, South Netherlandish, ca. 1550-1600
Physical description
Alabaster, carved in relief depicting the entombment of Christ.
Dimensions
  • Height: 25.4cm
  • Width: 20.32cm
Production
Previously considered to be Italian
Subjects depicted
Summary
This alabaster relief depicts the entombment of Christ. This relief originally formed the central part of a small altarpiece. Such altarpieces were produced in great numbers in the Netherlands and were also exported across the continent. Alabaster, a fine grained form of gypsum, is a smooth marble-like stone that was popular for the carving of religious sculpture. Softer than marble, it was much easier to carve and also considerably cheaper.
Bibliographic reference
Inventory of Art Objects Acquired in the Year 1858. In: Inventory of the Objects in the Art Division of the Museum at South Kensington, Arranged According to the Dates of their Acquisition. Vol I. London: Printed by George E. Eyre and William Spottiswoode for H.M.S.O., 1868, p. 18.
Collection
Accession number
4676-1858

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Record createdDecember 15, 2003
Record URL
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