Alabaster carving of Christ, made in Nottingham or York, c.1450

This carving tells the dramatic story of Christâs Resurrection. It was made for a church and helped to tell the story to people who couldnât read.

Christ had been killed on the cross but later came back from the dead. He strides out of his tomb, dazzling the sleeping soldiers guarding the tomb. The soldiersâ faces and dramatic poses and gestures make the scene emotional. It is rare to see faces so full of character in a carving like this.

The subject for this carving is taken from St Matthewâs account of the Resurrection of Christ in the Bible. Because Christ had been predicted to rise from the dead, Pilate asked soldiers to guard the tomb. He was afraid that Christâs followers would try to remove the body and falsely claim a Resurrection. According to St Matthew, Jesus opened his own tomb:

âHis countenance was like lightning and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake and become as dead men.â

This plaque was made as a retable, a decorated panel at the back of an altar. Religious images conveyed Christian messages at a time when few people could read.

Alabaster is a soft material derived from gypsum that is easy to carve and polish. It was used for religious carvings partly because it is associated with Christian themes. In the Bible, the vessels that held Christâs mournersâ tears were made of alabaster.

Alabaster for sculptures came from quarries in Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire and Derbyshire. Most medieval alabaster carving is found in Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire churches.

English alabaster was famous throughout Europe and was traded all over the continent. Many pieces passed through the bustling medieval port of Hull. This piece eventually found its way to France. It was included as part of an altarpiece in the chapel of the chateau at Breuil-Benoit.

Purchased by Hull Museums with assistance from the National Art Collections Fund and Friends of the Ferens Art Gallery.