An Exceptional Pair of English Tudor Carved Oak Panels

The two male figures stand beneath a semi-circular arch, the top corners of which are filled with a stylised leaf design*. The arches are "sprung" from shaped capitals which are supported on pillars, richly carved with an interlaced chain design*.

The figures are wearing costumes of the period - doublet and hose - and stand slightly facing each other, with their facing arms raised.

*Footnote - it is worthy of note that the fleshly leaves and interlaced chain motif is generally regarded as a carving style associated with Salisbury, and the surrounding villages and towns of Wiltshire. I feel that this pair of panels amongst the earliest pieces displaying this type of work, as it tends to be seen more commonly at the beginning of the 17th century.

English, Salisbury and surrounding area, circa 1550-1580.

Height 20 inches, width 7.5 inches.

Ref 2629