Two misericords with oak leaves and palm fronds

Two oak misericords carved with oak leaves and palm fronds.

French or English, 15th century.

Each measures approximately 73 x 26 x 14cm.

Misericord is the name given to the ledge supported by a corbel or bracket, set on the underside of the hinged seats in the choirs of churches. They had no religious function but gave some support to the monks and clergy in the long parts of the services when standing was required. This explains the name ‘misericord’, which comes from the Latin for mercy. The decoration was often amusing and sometimes moral.