its left side, which doubtless, on examination of the original, would prove to be part of the outline of the nimbus: it gives the saint the appearance now of wearing a turban. The mitre, however, sometimes takes place of the tiara. Thus, at Westhall, on the rood-screen, St. Clement appears with the mitre; at Denton, with the tiara; and in both instances he bears the triple cross; but at Houghton-le-Dale he appears with the double-barred cross.
On such subjects, which must often present themselves to you, I cannot recommend you a more useful hand-book than the Rev. Dr. Husenbeth's "Emblems of Saints."
I do not know of any negro bishop amongst the saints: there are several black saints, but not of episcopal character. In mural paintings I think I have noticed, where mineral red had been used, the colour has sometimes become black, and that may have been the case in the present instance.
The other figures may be St. Michael weighing souls in the balance, and St. Margaret; but they are too imperfect to hazard more than a conjecture on their intention.
I remain,
- Yours very faithfully,
- Albert Way.
- Yours very faithfully,
Wonham, Reigate, April 14, 1856.
