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Figurine, Praying Figure, Misericord Chair Armrest, Antique

$1,500

Praying Figure Misericord Chair Armrest
British or Continental: Antique, possibly 16th Century
Carved oak
9 x 7.5 x 3 inches

Available for prop rental or purchase.

Carved wood figure of a praying man, apparently originally the armrest of a misericord chair. The kneeling man is dressed in medieval garb — a robe and a beret — a book in his hands, his mouth open as if in the midst of praying aloud. Misericord chairs are church furniture, so named because underneath the seat is a carving known as a misericord. The armrests are typically decorated with small carved figures on either side (see References below for example of a late 15th/early 16th century Scottish example sold at auction).

Condition: Generally good, but with considerable wear to wood commensurate with age.

Reference:

“Lot 581: A Rare Late Medieval Oak Misericord Chair.” Bonhams. 30 August 2012. https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/19868/lot/581/ (8 December 2017).

Additional information

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