A Lost Carol and the Lamentation of Christ sculpture

Central to the new Art Gallery is one of the most significant pieces of medieval art in Australia – an early 16th century limestone sculpture of the placing of the body of Jesus in the tomb after his crucifixion.  He is surrounded by the grieving women and his disciples, including Joseph of Arimathea. The latter is said to have journeyed to Britain and planted the famous thorn of Glastonbury Abbey.

On a column that borders the Lamentation are several mysterious images – an Atlas-like figure supporting a vine, from whose leaves peeps a ‘Green Man’, an ancient pagan symbol unexpected in a sculpture depicting the central tenet of Christian belief.  

On each side of the column are two falcons.  These birds may relate to a well-known Tudor song – the Falcon or Corpus Christi Carol written in 1503-1536 – that was lost and found in Oxford, England.  It cites the thorn of Joseph of Arimathea but also weaves in elements that belong to the story of King Arthur and the legendary Knights of the Round Table and the Holy Grail.

The Abbey Museum has commissioned Dr Anne Levinsky from the Department of Music at the University of Queensland to sing the poignant stanzas of the Falcon Carol.

Falcon Carol – Dr Anne Levinsky (Duration: 6 minutes 38 seconds)

Important: Please ensure your phone volume is lowered if playing audio inside the Museum.