Alexander of Abingdon facts for kids
Alexander of Abingdon was a super talented sculptor in England around the year 1300. He was also known as Alexander Imaginator or Alexander le Imagineur, which means "the image-maker." This name shows how good he was at creating amazing statues.
Life of a Master Sculptor
Alexander probably came from a town called Abingdon, Berkshire. This place was famous for its stone carving and building work. By 1291, he was busy working in London, where he likely spent most of his life.
Records show that Alexander was called "le ymagour" (the image-maker). This special title meant he created statues of people. He didn't just work on general building decorations.
From 1291 to 1294, Alexander worked on a marble tomb for Queen Eleanor of Castile. This tomb was in Lincoln Cathedral. He also made wax models for small statues. These were for Queen Eleanor's heart, which was placed in the Blackfriars' church in London. Sadly, these works are now lost.
We last hear about Alexander in 1316–17. He was working with the royal master builder, Michael of Canterbury. It's thought that Alexander and Michael also worked together at Ely Cathedral. They likely made the tomb for Bishop William of Louth. Alexander would have been in charge of the statue on the tomb.
Amazing Artworks
Today, three of Alexander of Abingdon's confirmed sculptures are on display. You can see them at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. These figures show Queen Eleanor of Castile. They were carved for the Waltham Cross.
The Waltham Cross was one of twelve special "Eleanor crosses." Queen Eleanor's husband, King Edward I, ordered these crosses. He wanted them built after she passed away in 1290. These memorials marked the spots where Eleanor's body rested each night. This was during her journey to Westminster Abbey for burial.
A beautiful sculpture of a standing Virgin and Child is also believed to be by Alexander. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York bought it in 2003. Experts think it's his because of its similar style.
Alexander's sculptures are known for how he handled clothing. The fabric looks heavy but also has many detailed folds.
His work also looks a lot like paintings from that time. These paintings were done in the "Westminster style." Alexander's art is especially similar to the work of Master Walter of Durham. Walter was a painter who worked at the Palace of Westminster. He also worked at Westminster Abbey. He even helped with Queen Eleanor's tomb around 1292. It's possible Master Walter also did some work for Abingdon Abbey. These connections show that Alexander was part of the important court art scene.
