Allegorical Figure of Hope - Shotteswell, Warwickshire

The carved wooden panel representing Hope, with anchor, can be found as part of the reredos in the church of St Lawrence Shotteswell, Warwickshire. The reredos is constructed of a number of such Flemish panels that date from a number of periods in the 17th century.

The central figure is a robed woman standing upright, holding an anchor in her right hand, which is a traditional symbol of hope, signifying stability and faith in the future. Her left hand is raised, possibly in a gesture of prayer or aspiration. She stands on a rocky base, symbolizing steadfastness amidst challenges.