Study of Two Winged Oxen of St Luke: Christ in Glory tapestry, Coventry Cathedral
Graham Vivian Sutherland (London 1903 – London 1980)
Category
Art / Drawings and watercolours
Date
1951 - 1964
Materials
Ink on paper
Measurements
165 x 195 mm
Order this imageCollection
Basildon Park, Berkshire
NT 266363
Caption
On 14 November 1940, in an operation code named ‘Mondscheinsonate’ (Moonlight Sonata), German bombers wreaked havoc across Coventry. Among the devastating casualties, the city’s medieval cathedral was destroyed. After the war, the cathedral authorities took the bold step of commissioning architect Basil Spence to build a new cathedral in an unapologetically modern style. Its construction came to symbolise recovery and reconciliation in post-war Europe and the re-building of the city. The progressive internationalism of the architectural style was supported by works of art from contemporary artists. An anonymous donation of £20,000 funded the Great Tapestry for the East Wall, commissioned from the war artist, Graham Sutherland. The subject was Christ in Glory, surrounded by symbols of the four evangelists. This ink drawing of winged oxen is one of many studies made by Sutherland for the tapestry design. The ox is an attribute of St Luke and an ancient symbol of sacrifice. Sutherland was influenced by the work of Pablo Picasso, as well as by great monuments in European art, from Sicilian medieval church mosaics to depictions of Christ in Greek Orthodox churches. The tapestry itself, still the largest of its kind in Europe, was woven by the Aubusson manufactory in France. His studies for the tapestry were gifted to the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum in Coventry and some are currently on loan to Basildon Park. Lord and Lady Iliffe purchased the derelict Palladian mansion of Basildon Park in 1953 and dedicated their lives to its restoration. A cultivated couple with interests in art and architecture, they named Sutherland among their friends. It’s particularly apt that these studies can be seen at their home, all the more so given that Iliffe was the ‘anonymous’ benefactor whose generosity funded such a monumental and symbolic work of art.
Summary
Ink on paper, Study of Two Winged Oxen of St Luke for the Christ in Glory Tapestry, Coventry Cathedral by Graham Vivian Sutherland (London 1903 – London 1980)
Provenance
Presented by Lord Iliffe to the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry in 1964; from whom on loan back to Basildon Park
Makers and roles
Graham Vivian Sutherland (London 1903 – London 1980), artist