March 3–May 26, 2013

“Images are ordained to stir one’s affections and heart to devotion, for often one is more stirred by sight than by hearing or reading.”—from a 15th-century commentary

Visitors will experience a rare glimpse into the spiritual lives and religious customs of medieval Christians during the run of Object of Devotion: Medieval English Alabaster Sculpture from the Victoria and Albert Museum. These alabaster reliefs and freestanding figures, drawn from the finest such collection in the world, were displayed in chapels and churches as well as in private homes.

Intricately crafted, these 60 works are some of the finest examples of religious sculpture produced in England from the late 14th through the early 16th century. Object of Devotion explores the history, meanings, and uses of these luminous alabaster sculptures and allows visitors the opportunity to learn about the religious culture of medieval England and to study the role of art in medieval commerce.

Exhibition Catalogue

Object of Devotion: Medieval English Alabaster Sculpture from the Victoria and Albert Museum

Object of Devotion is organized and circulated by Art Services International, Alexandria, Virginia, and supported by a grant from the Samuel H. Kress Foundation. In Raleigh generous support is provided by the Ron and Jeanette Doggett Fund. The exhibition is also made possible, in part, by the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources; the North Carolina Museum of Art Foundation, Inc.; and the William R. Kenan Jr. Endowment for Educational Exhibitions.