The Tomb of Cardinal Bourchier, Archbishop of Canterbury (d. 1486) Signed and dated 1909
Oil on canvas | 92.8 x 72.7 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external) | RCIN 406523
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A carefully observed painting, in monochrome, of the tomb of Cardinal Bourchier, in Canterbury Cathedral. The monument, possibly designed by Henry Janyns (fl. 1453-83), consists of a gothic arch spanning the tomb; the plinth base and spandrels decorated with blind tracery rosettes.
Thomas Bouchier was consecrated as Bishop of Worcester on 15 May 1434, and in 1443 was appointed Bishop of Ely. In April 1454 he was made Archbishop of Canterbury, and became Lord Chancellor of England in March 1455.
There is no record of an artist of this name working in the early 20th century. A William Knight, of Sevenoaks, Kent exhibited a few local architectural scenes at the Royal Academy c. 1841-45. The architect Frederick George Knight exhibited pictures of buildings at the Royal Academy from 1877-92.Provenance
Presumably acquired by King Edward VII
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Medium and techniques
Oil on canvas
Measurements
92.8 x 72.7 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external)
123.0 x 102.5 x 10.0 cm (frame, external)
Category
Object type(s)
Alternative title(s)
The Tomb of Cardinal Thomas Bourchier, Westminster Abbey