Sealing the Tomb

"Sealing the Tomb" is a magnificent altarpiece triptych painted by William Hogarth, located in Bristol, England. Hogarth embarked on this grand project in 1755 for St. Mary Redcliffe Church. The triptych features three significant biblical scenes: the Ascension, the Sealing of the Sepulchre, and the Three Marys at the Tomb. The central panel is an impressive 22 feet by 19 feet, while the side panels each measure 13 feet 10 inches by 12 feet. All three paintings are elegantly mounted in gilded frames crafted by Thomas Paty.

Hogarth received £525 for his work, and the total cost, including the frames, amounted to £7671 6s 4d. Unfortunately, the triptych was too wide for St. Mary Redcliffe Church, making proper display difficult. In the 19th century, there were even attempts to sell it. Eventually, it found a home at the Bristol Fine Art Academy, which later became the Royal West of England Academy. Due to its size, the painting was stored in the basement for many years.

In 1973, the triptych was moved to the ecclesiastical museum at the war-damaged Church of St. Nicholas. When the museum closed, the paintings remained in the building, which had been repurposed as office space. However, in 2018, following the re-consecration of St. Nicholas Church, Hogarth's triptych was finally put back on public display.

St. Nicholas Church had suffered damage during World War II and was even considered for demolition in the 1950s. Despite these challenges, it was partially restored. Hogarth's triptych remains a cherished part of the church and continues to be admired by visitors in St. Nicholas, Bristol.