Crest
Isle of Man Government
Reiltys Ellan Vannin
Isle of Man Government Crest

Collections

Calf of Man Altar Panel

Calf of Man altar panel depicting the Crucifixion
Calf of Man altar panel depicting the Crucifixion

First Christians - Early Christian Period - 500 AD to 798 AD

Dimensions: Maximum length 65.3cm, Maximum width 24.8cm, breadth 3.5cm

Manx Museum Accession Number - 1956-0011

The Calf of Man Crucifixion stone, an outstanding piece of Early Christian art, was found on the Calf of Man, the small island off the south-western tip of the Isle of Man, during the 18th century. The carving is part of the central panel of an altar frontal carved in low relief on a piece of local slate and has been dated to around 800 AD.

The crucifixion scene portrays the robed figure of the still-living Christ. To his left stands the spear-bearer, who would originally have been balanced on the right by the sponge-bearer. Above the outstretched arms of Christ would have been two angels: the foot of one can just be seen.

The carving is on display in the Manx Museum.

Purchased with funds from the National Art Collections Fund in 1956.

A selection of Early Christian objects -

For more information see -

Download BrowseAloudTerms & Conditions©2008 Isle of Man Government