The Victoria & Albert Museum, widely known as the V&A, has successfully raised $2.6 million (£2 million) to acquire and preserve a 12th-century walrus ivory carving following a temporary export ban last November.
In a recent press release, the museum hailed the Deposition of Christ from the Cross as “one of the finest and most important examples of English Romanesque ivory carvings to survive.” This intricate sculpture, crafted from walrus tusk ivory, depicts the body of Jesus Christ being lifted from the cross by Joseph of Arimathea. Dating back to approximately 1190–1200, the carving is believed to have originated in the Northern English city of York and was likely part of a larger artwork illustrating seven scenes from the final days of Jesus Christ.
Initially purchased by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York through a private Sotheby’s sale, the sculpture’s export was contingent on acquiring a license from the UK. Earlier this year, an export license deferral allowed the V&A to match the $2.6 million price tag. The initial deferral period ended in February but was extended until June 14, giving the V&A the opportunity to secure the funds needed.
Prior to its official acquisition, the Deposition of Christ from the Cross was on long-term loan to the V&A from 1982 to 2022. It was displayed alongside the only known surviving piece from the same religious artwork—a fragment depicting Judas at the Last Supper, which has been with the V&A since 1949. Many similar objects were destroyed during the English Reformation in the 16th century.
The sculpture will now join the V&A’s permanent collection and return to public display in the Medieval and Renaissance galleries later this year. Funding for the acquisition came from a £700,000 grant from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, a £350,000 grant from Art Fund, and a national appeal to the public.
“I am thrilled that the V&A has been able to save this elemental object of English art for the nation,” said V&A director Tristram Hunt. “In this small, sublime carving is captured a lost story of Christian culture, Romanesque design, and medieval craftsmanship. I am hugely grateful to everyone who so generously contributed to secure this wondrous piece for the national collection.”
Stay tuned for more updates as this historic piece finds its new home at the V&A Museum.
