1535 King's College Chapel chancel stalls and screen

Called de ly Antyk at the time, Italian and Renaissance art was originally no more than a fashion of decoration at the court of Henry VIII. The chancel stalls and screen are a fine example of this early English Renaissance style. In the opinion of Pevsner, the quality of contemporary wood carving is not excelled this side of the Alps.

The precise date of execution is unknown, though the presence of the initial and arms of Anne Boleyn in the carving suggest it was during the period when she was Queen, 1533-36.

This date is totally consistent with the style. According to Pevsner, it clearly derives from the North Italian style of Pavia or Como, most probably via France and the style of Francis I. It characteristic of French Mannerism, and connected with craftsmen of the French court.

So Pevsner thinks the craftmanship is French. Willis and Clark suggest that it is the work of an unknown Italian craftman. Rawle is bolder, putting forward a possible name: Benedetto da Rovezzano, a Florentine sculptor of 1474-1552. According to a leaflet obtained from the Chapel itself, it is the work of Philip the Carver, a foreigner of unknown nationality. The only concensus seems to be that an English craftman was not responsible, the style being far too sophisticated for that time.

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