Bosom of Abraham Trinity

The Bosom of Abraham Trinity is a rare iconographic subject found apparently only in English medieval alabaster sculpture, with just twelve surviving examples - five free-standing statues, including those in the Burrell Collection in Glasgow and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and seven high-relief panels of the usual altarpiece size. The composition adapts the 'Throne of Mercy' Trinity: God the Father, with the crucified Christ, holds or supports a cloth or napkin containing tiny figures of the saved souls, a motif borrowed from earlier images of Abraham sheltering souls in his cloak on 13th-century French cathedral facades. The Boston figure, dated 1420-50, shows nine souls including a crowned king and a bishop, with donor figures kneeling at God's feet. Both the subject and its modern name were defined by art historians; the type was first published by W. L. Hildburgh in 1933.

Defining characteristics

• Tiny figures of saved souls gathered in a cloth or napkin held in God the Father's hands
• The Throne of Mercy Trinity format, with the Father supporting the crucified Christ
• Tiered scale: God largest, kneeling donors intermediate, souls rendered as miniatures
• A king and bishop among the souls, marked by crown and mitre
• Painted and gilded alabaster, carved either as free-standing statues or high-relief panels

Example works

• Bosom of Abraham Trinity (Museum of Fine Arts, Boston) — Unknown English alabaster carver (c. 1420-50)
• Bosom of Abraham Trinity (Burrell Collection) — Unknown English alabaster carver (14th century)

Sources

• Bosom of Abraham Trinity - Wikipedia encyclopedia

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