‘Abat-voix’ Pulpit Canopy c.1625A huge and incredibly carved High Baroque abat voix pulpit canopy, or sounding board. c. 1625 This outstanding piece of baroque architectural carving featuring gigantic Acanthus leaves and a cluster of gessoed and gilded grapes, would have been suspended above the pulpit in a Catholic Church or Cathedral. Having a practical purpose, which was to bounce and amplify the voice of the Priest whilst giving their sermon, but also was thought to protect the