Alabaster Group of Christ’s Tomb
SOUTH NETHERLANDS, 15th Century
13.3 x 26.4 x 7.9 cm
5 ¼ x 10 ½ x 3 ¼ in
5 ¼ x 10 ½ x 3 ¼ in
6406
Further images
Literature
Illustrated in the chapter by Lloyd de Beer in the exhibition catalogue 'Alabaster Sculpture in Europe. 1300-1650', M Museum, Leuven, Belgium, 14 October, 2022 to 26 February, 2023.
The Resurrection of Jesus is central to Christian faith and art. It is depicted in Christian art – both as a single scene and as part of a cycle showing...
The Resurrection of Jesus is central to Christian faith and art. It is depicted in Christian art – both as a single scene and as part of a cycle showing the Life of Christ. The inclusion of the sleeping guards, illustrated in this alabaster group, appear in one of the earliest depictions of the scene, an ivory plaque dated c. 400 AD.
This portrayal of the group at Christ’s tomb is unusual in that most depictions show the resurrection of Christ, who is presented emerging triumphantly from the tomb whilst the soldiers lie sleeping around him. In this depiction, he remains recumbent beside them.