Misericord

English

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

circa 1520

This misericord originally came from Bristol Cathedral. A misericord is a hinged choir stall seat carved on the underside with a ledge to support the clergy when tipped up. The carving depicts a bearded man bending over showing his behind and an archer aiming his arrow at the nude buttocks. It is a typical example of the combination of bawdiness and satirical humour frequently represented in the misericord carver's art. Because of their obscene nature, several of these misericords were removed from Bristol Cathedral in the 19th century and, until the appearance of this one, were thought to have been destroyed.

• Medium: carved oak
• Dimensions: 24 x 68cm
• Art Fund Grant: £10000 ( Total: £27,000)
• ArtFunded in: 2007
• Vendor: Sam Fogg

Provenance

Believed to have removed from Bristol Cathedral, circa 1860; Clive Sherwood; Sotheby's, 2002; Mr Warillow, 2005; Sam Fogg.

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