A fine carved and parcel-gilt alabaster plaque from Malines circa late 16th century. It depicts Pilate washing his hands of Christ whilst the Roman guards escort him away. Set in its original moulded gilt pastiglia frame within a later ebonised and velvet lined frame.
Details
Malines or Mechelen became famous from the middle ages onwards for the production of finely carved alabaster and wooden sculptures to serve the churches and wealthy patrons of the Low Countries in that period. Here in alabaster is a beautifully carved depiction of Pilate pouring water from a jug from his attendant as Christ is led away to his crucifixion. Because of it's softness , alabaster was an ideal stone for carving intricate relief and these were the assembled into domestic altars with rich ornamentation.
When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. Matthew XXVII
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