Carved Stone in or around Churches from 7th - 10th centuries

Here is a very famous piece of carving, made somewhere between the 7th and 9th centuries. It’s at the parish church in Wirksworth (Derbyshire in central England), which is a treasure in itself and full of lots of interesting things. This looks like it was once a grave cover and is broken off at the left end. It’s a little bit eroded on the top but in otherwise extraordinary condition. First, at top left, we have Jesus washing the feet of the disciples (it looks like he is washing them in a tub font). After that (moving to the right), we have the Lamb of God on the cross, with the Evangelists represented around it. Next a really interesting scene showing Mary (this church was dedicated to her) being brought out for burial. St John is in front, with Mary being carried by the Apostles and the High Priest, who tried to take hold of the bier, being dragged underneath. At the top you can see some of the Apostles in a cloud; according to legend, they were either brought there by cloud or were viewing the event in spirit from far away. This represents legends of Mary’s death current at the time. Incola ego sum in terra © 2024 Incola 548 Market Street PMB 72296, San Francisco, CA 94104