Mercy Seat Collection

Trinity, Madonna and Guardian Angel, c.1710. Creator: Del Pò, Giacomo (1654-1726)
Trinity, Madonna and Guardian Angel, c.1710. Found in the Collection of the Pinacoteca Civica, Jesi

A misericord depicting three heraldic shields, New College Chapel, Oxford, late 14th century (wood)
NCO313058 A misericord depicting three heraldic shields, New College Chapel, Oxford, late 14th century (wood) by English School, (14th century); Courtesy of the Warden and Scholars of New College

French carpenter, carving from a misericord in Rouen Cathedral, 15th Century (engraving)
7185713 French carpenter, carving from a misericord in Rouen Cathedral, 15th Century (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: French carpenter)

Carved wooden misericords from Rouen Cathedral, France, 15th Century (engraving)
7185692 Carved wooden misericords from Rouen Cathedral, France, 15th Century (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

A misericord depicting an academic seated at a panel desk delivering an admonition to a
NCO313060 A misericord depicting an academic seated at a panel desk delivering an admonition to a kneeling penitent, New College Chapel, Oxford, late 14th century (wood) by English School

A misericord depicting an elaborately carved hydra, symbolic of the seven deadly sins
NCO313057 A misericord depicting an elaborately carved hydra, symbolic of the seven deadly sins, incorporating a realistic human head, New College Chapel, Oxford

A damaged misericord depicting a three men fighting with daggers and swords
NCO313013 A damaged misericord depicting a three men fighting with daggers and swords, New College Chapel, Oxford, late 14th century (wood) by English School

A misericord depicting Sir Yvains horse trapped as the portcullis of an elaborate
NCO313007 A misericord depicting Sir Yvains horse trapped as the portcullis of an elaborate castle entrance is lowered, New College Chapel, Oxford, late 14th century (wood) by English School

A misericord depicting a walled town with a gateway with a raised portcullis
NCO313046 A misericord depicting a walled town with a gateway with a raised portcullis, New College Chapel, Oxford, late 14th century (wood) by English School

A misericord depicting an ogre with enormous shoulders, New College Chapel, Oxford
NCO313027 A misericord depicting an ogre with enormous shoulders, New College Chapel, Oxford, late 14th century (wood) by English School

A misericord depicting three human faces flanked by monsters, New College Chapel, Oxford
NCO313022 A misericord depicting three human faces flanked by monsters, New College Chapel, Oxford, late 14th century (wood) by English School

The Mercy Seat, Exodus, xxv, 17 (engraving)
2809538 The Mercy Seat, Exodus, xxv, 17 (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Mercy Seat, Exodus, xxv, 17)

A misericord depicting a small capped figure pounced on by a monster, New College Chapel
NCO313021 A misericord depicting a small capped figure pounced on by a monster, New College Chapel, Oxford, late 14th century (wood) by English School

A Misericord depicting The Romance of Reynard the Fox, 1520 (wood)
BAG322147 A Misericord depicting The Romance of Reynard the Fox, 1520 (wood) by English School, (16th century); Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

Ark of the Covenant of the ancient Hebrew people
Ark of the Covenant and Mercy Seat of the Israelites. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

Old Testament religious artifacts (engraving)
KW2603355 Old Testament religious artifacts (engraving) by Unknown Artist, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: From top left: The Table of Shewbread or Showbread, The Altar of Incense)

Frame depicting the Annunciation, Baptism of Christ, Entry into Jerusalem, Saints Cecilia and Catherine of Alexandria, Trinity (Gnadenstuhl, Mercy Seat), and four Music-making Angels

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"The Mercy Seat: A Glimpse into the Intricate World of Misericords" Step back in time and explore the fascinating world of misericords, intricately carved wooden seats found in medieval churches. These captivating works of art provide a glimpse into the rich history and symbolism prevalent during that era. In New College Chapel, Oxford, late 14th century, a misericord depicting three heraldic shields catches our attention. The craftsmanship is impeccable as each shield tells its own story through intricate carvings. Moving on to Rouen Cathedral in France, we encounter a French carpenter's masterpiece from the 15th century. This engraving showcases their skillful artistry and attention to detail. The theme continues with more carved wooden misericords from Rouen Cathedral. One depicts an academic seated at a panel desk delivering an admonition—a reminder of intellectual pursuits intertwined with religious teachings. Symbolism takes center stage as we come across an elaborately carved hydra representing the seven deadly sins. It serves as a powerful reminder of humanity's constant struggle against temptation. A damaged misericord reveals three men engaged in fierce combat with daggers and swords—an intriguing depiction that sparks curiosity about its historical context. Sir Yvain's horse trapped under an elaborate portcullis transports us to another realm where chivalry meets danger—a testament to medieval tales woven into these remarkable carvings. As we journey further, we stumble upon a walled town with a raised portcullis—perhaps symbolizing protection or imprisonment? The interpretation lies within our imagination. An ogre with enormous shoulders captures our attention next; it stands proudly among other figures adorning New College Chapel in Oxford—a visual representation of mythical creatures interwoven into religious narratives. Three human faces flanked by monsters leave us pondering their significance—do they represent inner struggles or external threats? Each observer may find their own meaning within these enigmatic carvings.