"John Fortey 1458" Medieval Brass Rubbing English Church Brass, Northleach, Gloucestershire · Circa 1960s–1980s · 24"w × 65"h · Unframed

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Long before photography, travelers documented the past with paper and wax. This large-format brass rubbing captures the memorial figure of … Read more Long before photography, travelers documented the past with paper and wax. This large-format brass rubbing captures the memorial figure of John Fortey — a wealthy wool merchant from Northleach, Gloucestershire, England, who died in 1458 — taken directly from the original medieval brass still housed in St. Peter and St. Paul Church in Northleach.

The figure stands in prayer, robes rendered in gold against black, feet resting on a wool pack and sheep that mark his trade. The Latin inscription at the base is original to the brass. At 65 inches tall this is a commanding presence on any wall.

Brass rubbing experienced a significant resurgence in the 1970s when enthusiasts and collectors traveled specifically to English parish churches to document their medieval monuments firsthand — a practice that required permission from the church, the right materials, and a genuine reverence for what lay beneath the paper. This rubbing almost certainly dates from that era, and the care with which it was made and stored reflects that seriousness. The image surface is fully intact with no creases or fold marks.

For the home that collects history rather than decoration. For the wall that needs something no one else has.

Sold unframed and rolled. Buyer assumes framing. At this scale a float frame in black would be the most dramatic presentation.

Ships rolled in protective tube · Local pickup available — Gainesville, GA area See less