Crucifixion
May one see it?
Yes, receiving visitors
London, United Kingdom
RoomSculpture, Room 21, The Dorothy and Michael Hintze Galleries
On public display.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the sculpture
The Crucifixion group dates to about 1935-40, after Pruden had joined the Guild of St Joseph and St Dominic set up by Eric Gill. Through the Guild, Gill not only promoted the Arts and Crafts tradition which focused on handmade designs in different materials, he also emphasised how the Roman Catholic faith could be conveyed through works of art. The Crucifixion is therefore particular noteworthy, since aside from its distinctive workshop style and religious subject matter, it demonstrates Pruden's ability to carve in ivory, a material with which he was less experienced in working, as he was first and foremost a silversmith.
Read on
The piece is almost identical in style and composition to the brass figures on the altar of Keymer Catholic Church, West Sussex. Many of the Guild members' work were commissioned by local Roman Catholic churches, and it seems probable that Pruden carved this piece as a model in preparation for the larger cast metal version in the church.
Victoria and Albert Museum
Particulars
- Accession number
- A.1:1 to 3-2009
What it shows
In the catalog
Sources
- Victoria and Albert Museum
- Image: Victoria and Albert Museum — © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
