GRAHAM SUTHERLAND OM 1903–1980, LOUIS OSMAN 1914-1996

Cross of Ely Crucifix

GRAHAM SUTHERLAND OM 1903–1980, LOUIS OSMAN 1914-1996

Cross of Ely Crucifix

1964
Stock Number: 15168/MB
Height 36.00cm [14.17 inches]
Width 22.00cm [8.66 inches]
Depth 8.00cm [3.15 inches]
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Sterling Silver raised on black Frosterley Marble base
Signed: Monogram verso GS 1/9
Date 1964
Edition 1/9

London Assay marks for sterling Silver; Makers mark LO for Louis Osman . The Lion Passant for Sterling (92.5% Pure) Silver. The Panther for London and the Letter K for 1965 / 1966

An editioned collaboration between Sutherland and Osman for Ely Cathedral. Commissioned by the Cathedral, the Alter Cross, in which was the Crucifix, was central to a larger cruciform design, and was never installed. Sutherland did not visit the Cathedral before starting work and after a yearlong tour and with much fanfare, upon arrival the Cross was too small for the space and was reluctantly rejected. The full Ely Cathedral Alter piece was subsequently acquired by Mrs Emerly Reves and is now in the Museum of Dallas. Subsequently, Marlborough Fine Art commissioned in 1964 an edition of nine casts of the central composition of Christ within a heart shape, symbolizing the continuation of life.

PROVENANCE
The Estate of Actor Mason Adams

LITERATURE
Graham Sutherland Retrospective Tate Gallery Exhibition Catalogue Nu.197 P.149


Height inclusive of base: 55 cm
Base Dimensions:
Height 19 cm
Width 13.8 cm
Depth 13.8 cm