The Resurrection

Unknown

15th century · Alabaster, gold, polychromy · Arms and Armor

The Resurrection, referring to the moment at which Christ rises from his tomb, was a popular scene in medieval religious art. Traditionally, soldiers are shown fast asleep around the tomb, oblivious to the miracle occurring in their midst. Often, the armor and weapons of the soldiers are accurate representations of what was worn and used in the place and period in which an artwork was created. Bashford Dean (1867–1928), founding curator of the Department of Arms and Armor, formerly owned this alabaster relief. As part of his large private collection of arms and armor, Dean eagerly sought out and acquired works of art, which he called documents, if they accurately depicted historical armor and weapons.

Artist

Unknown

Date

15th century

Medium

Alabaster, gold, polychromy

Culture

British

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of Mrs. Bashford Dean, in memory of Alexander McMillan Welch, 1949