Artwork

Gloucester Cathedral, The North Ambulatory, Tomb and Effigy of Osric of Hwicce

Herbert Felton , 1949

Gloucester Cathedral, The North Ambulatory, Tomb and Effigy of Osric of Hwicce is a photographic photography by Herbert Felton. It dates from 1949 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. A sepia-toned photograph captures a stone tomb and effigy within Gloucester Cathedral's north ambulatory, conveying a sense of serenity.

About this work

Overview

A sepia-toned photograph captures a stone tomb and effigy within Gloucester Cathedral's north ambulatory, conveying a sense of serenity.

Subject & Meaning

The tomb's occupant, Osric of Hwicce, is depicted in repose with clasped hands, symbolizing prayer and devotion, emphasizing the religious significance of the monument.

Technique & Style

The photograph employs chiaroscuro, utilizing soft, even lighting to create depth and volume, while the low-angle perspective enhances the tomb's grandeur.

History & Provenance

Osric of Hwicce's tomb is located in Gloucester Cathedral's north ambulatory, with the photograph serving as a record of the medieval stone effigy and its surroundings.

Context

The tomb is part of Gloucester Cathedral's historical fabric, reflecting medieval funerary practices and architectural detailing.

Legacy

The photograph preserves the tomb's image for study and appreciation, highlighting the enduring importance of Gloucester Cathedral's architectural and historical treasures.

Artist & collection

Artist

Herbert Felton

Herbert Felton photographed quiet corners of British history in the mid-1900s. His lens captured the carved Handel statue in Westminster Abbey’s Poets’ Corner, the shadowed church pews at Gloucester Cathedral, and the…

Museum

Victoria and Albert Museum

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