Misericord
A Continental Monastic Carved Wood Misericord, 17th/18th Century
Carved with a cherub mask flanked by stylised foliage — 15in.(38 cm) wide; 21in. (8.1/4 cm) wide; 6.1/4in. (16 cm) deep
A misericord (sometimes named mercy seat, is a small wooden structure formed on the underside of folding seat in a church which, when the seat is folded up, is intended to act as a shelf to support a person in a partially standing position during long periods of prayer. Despite being located in churches, it was not considered appropriate for these sculptures to portray religious motifs, as people rested their buttocks against them. As such, misericords portrayed a wide range of subjects from secular life and folklore unrelated to the Bible.
Condition: Some evidesnce of historical worm infestation. Tip of the nose chipped. Rim of stall seat partially distressed. The images give a good indiction of age and use.
Price: £750
