With the addition of this St. Christopher, all the paintings at Wickhampton are now on these pages. Although faded now, and probably in need of some gentle restoration again (so far as I know it was last restored in 1963), it is a fine 15th century example, framed within a broad scrollwork border. Christopher, leaning on his staff with right hand on hip, and the Christ Child on his right shoulder occupy most of the picture space, but there is a nice collection of fish around his lower legs. To the left beside his left foot his left foot is a carefully observed sole or plaice, showing, correctly, both eyes on one side and the semicircle of its gill below. Below this same foot is a crab (below right), equally well painted and shown flat, as on a fishmongers slab, although it is not easy to see in
photographs.
The other paintings at Wickhampton are The Three Living & The Three Dead and the Seven Works of Mercy, both now with new photographs.
22/2/01
© Anne Marshall 2001 +++