So there’s me, wandering innocently through the Victoria and Albert, one of my favourite places in the world, when I round a corner and see … this. At which point I stopped and goggled, speechless, for some time. It’s a handcarved, three-dimensional depiction of the crucifixion updated to medieval times, sort of. You can spot other era stuff. For obvious reasons the piece is displayed inside a glass case (which explains the irritating bright spots) and stands about 4 foot high. The medium is pear wood. The result, for me, is utterly breathtaking. I took a whole bunch of photos, but here are a few. Plus one ring-in, with an explanation …

This last one is from the Decorative Arts museum in Paris. I include it because of its fantastical nature and exquisite execution.