Polychromed wooden calvary altarpiece. French, mid 16th century

A Rare polychromed wooden calvary altarpiece.

French, mid 16th century.

Measures 79 x 42 x 13cm.

The calvary group depicts the crucified Christ flanked by figures of the Virgin and St John with Mary Magdalene kneeling at the base of the cross. In the foreground, two horse mounted Roman Centurions flank the body of Christ, one of which certainly Saint Longinus.

The group upon Golgotha, is mounted on an ebonised bow front plinth with the latin gilt inscription: 'SALVE . CRVX .SANTA . SALVE.MVNDI . GLORIA VERA SPES NOSTRA’ which translates as ‘Hail Holy Cross, Hail Glory of the World, our true hope’.

The condition is commensurate with its age and aside from a strengthening brace to the back of the cross it remains in an original, unrestored state of preservation. The skull at Christs feet is now missing and each of the centurions have damage to their hands.