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Pink glazed stoneware sculpture intitled « La porteuse d’eau » by Laurent Dufour
By Laurent Dufour
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pink glazed stoneware sculpture intitled « La porteuse d’eau » by Laurent Dufour.
Artist signature under the base. 2025.
H : 43.3 x 15.7 inches.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Beaux Arts Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Glazed stoneware sculpture intitled « Bacchus » by Laurent Dufour, 2025.
By Laurent Dufour
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Glazed stoneware sculpture intitled « Bacchus » by Laurent Dufour.
Artist signature under the base. 2025.
H : 35.4 x 15.7 inches.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Beaux Arts Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Stoneware sculpture intitled « Oiseau » by Laurent Dufour, 2025.
By Laurent Dufour
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Stoneware sculpture intitled « Oiseau » by Laurent Dufour.
Artist signature under the base. 2025.
H : 43.3 x 15.7 inches.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Beaux Arts Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Carved Wood Saint Sebastien, Southern Germany, c. 1510-1520
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Carved wood Saint Sebastian
Origin : Southern Germany
Period : c. 1510-1520
Measures: Height : 146 cm
Width : 67 cm
Depth : 30 cm
Walnut
Good condition
According to Jocobus de Varagine’s Golden Legend Sebastian was born in Narbonne where he was promoted head of the first cohort by emperors Maximian and Diocletian who were fond of him. One day as Marcellin and Marc were condemned because of their Christian faith Sebastian urged them to not give away. He would then convert many Roman soldiers before being reported to Diocletian. The emperor had him tied against a post in a middle of the Field of Mars and pierced by the soldiers’ arrows. Sebastian did not die and recovered thanks to Irene’s good care. Once he had recovered from his injuries he went to the palace to critized the emperor’s attitude towards Christians. Sebastian was beaten to death.
Following the common iconography Saint Sebastian is here depicted leaning against crooked tree with his arms tied with ropes.
His peaceful face presents a straight nose and small lips framed by his hair locks. His head turned to the right side is slighlty tilted backwards as if he was gazing at the sky.
Saint Sebastian body’s is gracefully presented in contrapposto. Almost completely naked a single piece of draped cloth is tied on his right hip and fall over his left knee. The carved folds give the fabric the realness of a heavy cloth.
The arrows wounds are still visible. The saint’s anatomy with its bulging muscles and protruding ribs illustrate the sculptor’s skills. The right arm’s movement enlivens the sculpture.
The artist who authored this sculpture knew how to breathe grace and life to his work through the expression of the saint’s face...
Category
Antique 16th Century Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Rare ceramic sculpture by Accolay, circa 1960-1970.
By Accolay Pottery
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Rare ceramic sculpture by Accolay.
Artist signature under the base.
Circa Vers 1960-1970.
Perfect original conditions.
H : 15.1 x 4.5 x 3.9 inches.
Category
Vintage 1960s French Beaux Arts Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Pink glazed stoneware sculpture by Laurent Dufour, 2024.
By Laurent Dufour
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pink glazed stoneware sculpture by Laurent Dufour.
Artist signature under the base. 2024. Unique piece.
H : 25.6 x 11.8 x 11.8 inches.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Beaux Arts Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Green glazed stoneware "Bastet" by Laurent Dufour, 2024.
By Laurent Dufour
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Green glazed stoneware « Bastet » by Laurent Dufour.
Artist signature under the base. Unique piece. 2024.
H : 80.7 x 22 x 22 inches.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Beaux Arts Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Wood fired stoneware «Pot à feu» sculpture by Île/Mer/Froid
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Wood fired stoneware «Pot à feu» sculpture by Île/Mer/Froid.
Artist signature under the base. 2023.
H : 30.7’ x 15.7’ inches.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Beaux Arts Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Wood fired stoneware «Pot à feu» sculpture by Île/Mer/Froid
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Wood fired stoneware «Pot à feu» sculpture by Île/Mer/Froid.
Artist signature under the base. 2023.
H : 29.9’ x 14.6’ inches.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Beaux Arts Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Brown glazed stoneware sculpture by Laurent Dufour, 2023
By Laurent Dufour
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Brown glazed stoneware sculpture by Laurent Dufour.
Artist signature under the base. 2023. Unique piece.
H : 28.7’ x 10.2’ x 11.8’ inches.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Beaux Arts Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Saint Florian
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
SAINT FLORIAN
ORIGIN: SOUTH GERMANY, SWABIA
PERIOD: END OF THE 15th CENTURY
Height : 100,5 cm
Width : 34 cm
Depth : 17 cm
Polychromed lime wood
Good state of conservation
Sin...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier German Gothic Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Polychrome carved wood Virgin and Child from the 15th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
POLYCHROME CARVED WOOD VIRGIN AND CHILD FROM THE 15TH CENTURY
ORIGIN: SOUTH GERMANY, SWABIA, NUREMBERG REGION
PERIOD: 15th CENTURY
Height: 94,6cm
Width : 28 cm
Depth : 18 cm
Lime wood
Original Polychromy
Good state of conservation
From 1430 onwards, sculpture underwent a profound stylistic renewal which continued until 1530, the so-called late Gothic period. In the Germanic countries, original sculptures flourished in an expressive and sensitive vein.
This renewal was inspired by the art of Nicholas of Leiden, who was active in Strasbourg in the 1460's. His style broke with the refined and delicate art of the international Gothic style in force throughout Europe around 1400. The figures became more authentic and realistic. The bodies became denser. Clothes are animated by deep, broken folds, the fabrics are heavy and have a great decorative value. In addition, the polychromy is intended to be illusionistic. The painting makes it possible to restore the texture of the materials, the richness of the textiles and the natural skin tone of the characters.
The dissemination of images through engraving and the great mobility of the artists led to the success of this style, which conquered the Upper Rhine, Swabian, Tyrolean and Franconian regions, contributing to the formation of a common stylistic identity in these regions. The economic boom in the flourishing German cities was conducive to the development of original production. Attracted by this prosperity, numerous workshops were set up in order to meet the orders of religious communities, the Church and the laity, including a clientele of middle-class rockers.
This precious Virgin and Child is depicted standing on a crescent moon, her head encircled by a crown of tall flowers. Her long wavy hair spreads over her shoulders, framing her beautiful oval face. Under fine eyebrows drawn with a brushstroke, her almond-shaped, slightly drooping eyes look at the Child with infinite softness. She is dressed in a long red dress with a rounded neckline, belted under the chest. The heavy fabric of her dress spreads out in broken folds at her feet. On her shoulders she wears a golden cloak. The drapery has deep folds. She holds out her right hand while she holds the Christ Child with her left.
Christ, with his well-defined hair, is naked. His cheeks are highlighted with red, he holds an apple in his left hand and with the other hand makes a sign of blessing towards the faithful.
Virgins with Child on a crescent moon were very popular in the second half of the 15th century, especially as the central subject of altarpieces in southern Germany and Austria. The crescent moon on which Mary is standing is reminiscent of the Woman of the Apocalypse. Often equated with the Virgin Mary.
This episode is taken from the Book of Revelation (12:1-6)
1 Then a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. ; 2 She was pregnant, and she cried out because she was in labor, in pain from giving birth. ; 3 Then another sign appeared in heaven: it was a great fiery red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and seven royal crowns on his heads. ; 4 His tail swept down a third of heaven's stars and threw them to the earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth so that when she gave birth, he might devour her child. ; 5 She gave birth to a son, a male child who is to rule all the nations with an iron rod. Her child was snatched up to God and his throne. ; 6 Then the woman fled into the desert, where God has prepared a place for her. There she will be taken care of for one thousand two hundred sixty days.
Some theologians see in this woman a reference to the Virgin Mary and in the child, Jesus.
This remarkable work is a very fine example of sculpture from Swabian workshops in the last decades of the 15th century. It presents all the characteristic stylistic elements: a highly girdled silhouette, an abundant drapery with angular folds, but also a great physical presence accentuated by the polychromy that restores the anatomical details. This group is made of a wooden log. The deep folds of the drapery highlight the movement of the Virgin holding the child.
Bibliography :
Sophie Guillot de Suduiraut, Dévotion et Séduction, Sculptures souabes des musées de France, vers 1460-1530, Paris musée du Louvre-Éditions somogy, 2015
“Revelation 12 - Common English Bible...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier German Gothic Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Saint Woman in polychrome carved wood
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
SAINT WOMAN IN POLYCHROME CARVED WOOD
ORIGIN : ITALY
PERIOD : late 13th century
Height : 103 cm
Length : 28 cm
Width : 16 cm
Remains of polychromy
...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Gothic Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Softwood
Virgin and Child in Majesty, also known as "Sedes Sapientae"
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
VIRGIN AND CHILD IN MAJESTY, ALSO KNOWN AS "SEDES SAPIENTIAE"
ORIGIN : SPAIN, CATALOGNE
PERIOD: EARLY 13th CENTURY
Height : 95 cm
Width : 32 cm
Depth : 28 cm
Softwood
No polychromy
In the middle of the 12th century, the Virgin took her place in churches, seated in Majesty, serving as a throne for her son Jesus. She is then called Sedes Sapientiae, meaning the Throne of Wisdom.
At that time, she is not represented for herself and only exists because she has been designated as Theotokos, the mother of God, at the Council of Ephesus in 431, where the divine nature of Christ was proclaimed from his birth.
The upright and perfectly hieratic bust of this Virgin and Child in Majesty is seated on a throne-bench. She is dressed in a tunic with a rounded neckline and covered with a fine mantle placed on her narrow shoulders. The supple and natural drapery follows the lines of the body.
Large curls frame her face with delicate and regular features, a long straight nose, almond-shaped eyes, and small lips.
She supports the Infant Jesus with her left hand. Like his mother, he is dressed in a long tunic, and his little feet are visible in the folds. He holds a small sphere in his left hand, while with his right hand, he gestures in blessing. The face of Christ bears a strong resemblance to his mother’s one, and he gives a slight smile.
The position of the Child is no longer as hieratic, nor frontal or central as in the early 12th century, but his face still turns towards the faithful.
The 13th century indeed emerges as a period of transition in the artistic domain. The statuary, while retaining certain characteristics still belonging to the habits of the previous century, also develops new formal solutions.
As a result, Mary maintains a hieratic and frontal position, while her son shifts to place himself well to the left on her knee. Similarly, while the Virgin seems perfectly still, Jesus, on the other hand, appears much more animated, especially in the positioning of his hands. His left hand holds the orb, and judging by the raised right arm directed towards the faithful, one can easily imagine that he was making a gesture of blessing.
The influence of the Sedes Sapientiae from previous centuries still seems particularly prevalent in this work.
These few characteristics allow dating this Spanish Virgin...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Spanish Gothic Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Softwood
White glazed ceramic sculpture by Gisèle Buthod Garçon, circa 1980-1990
By Gisele Buthod Garçon
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
White glazed ceramic sculpture with two faces by Gisèle Buthod Garçon.
Raku fired. Artist monogram and signature under the base. Circa 1980-1990.
H : 11...
Category
20th Century French Beaux Arts Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Porcelain Sculpture with Green Glaze Decoration by Tim Orr, circa 1970
By Tim Orr
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A porcelain sculpture with green glaze decoration by Tim Orr.
Perfect original conditions.
Signed under the base,
circa 1970.
Category
Vintage 1970s French Beaux Arts Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Important German Pietà from the, 14th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
IMPORTANT GERMAN PIETÀ FROM THE 14th CENTURY
ORIGIN: GERMANY, REGION DE COLOGNE
PERIOD: BEGINNING IF THE 14th CENTURY, ca. 1330
Height: 98 cm
Length: 45 cm
Depth: 33 cm
Polychromed linden wood
Good condition of conservation
Provenance : particular Alsatian collection
The theme of the Pietà or Vesperbild appears in Germany at the end of the 13th century, reflecting the mysticism of the late Middle Ages. Although the theme does not exist in the Gospels, it was often mentioned in contemporary devotional literature. Indeed, during the first half of the 14th century, mystical thought and devotional practices changed under the impulse of a number of religious, among them Heinrich Suso and St Bridget. In his writings, Suso placed important emphasis on contemplation and meditation in the footsteps of Christ's martyrdom.
This will have great impact in the field of art, especially in Germany and later in France. The emphasis will from now on be on grief, death is shown in a straightforward way. The wounds of Christ are gaping and bloody. The suffering of Christ and the seven sorrows of the Virgin Mary are meditated upon.
This piece demonstrates the interest of the faithful in these representations where pathos reigns.
The virgin is represented seated in a frontal position. The bust is very elongated. She is wearing a red dress with a simple neckline and a blue mantel...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Sculptural Stool "Torsade 2" by Laurent Dufour, 2023
By Laurent Dufour
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Torsade 2, 2023 by Laurent Dufour
Glazed stoneware.
Unique piece.
Signed at the base.
This piece can be put indoor and outdoor.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Beaux Arts Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Bronze Sculpture "Insect TOTEM"
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
The sculpture is signed at the back but unidentified yet.
Measures: Bronze sculpture
Height 43 cm, length 13 cm, depth 13 cm
Stone base
Height 15 cm, length 15 cm, depth 15 cm.
Category
20th Century Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Bronze
Sculpture "The Shanty" 2004, by Monica Machado
By Monica Machado
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Monica Machado
Born in Lisbonne (Portugal) in 1966. Lives in Paris, since 1981.
Technique: Assembly of architectural elements in ceramics and fairy tales characters. Each room is...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Glass, Silicone, Plaster, Wood, Paper
Mosaic Sculpture "Le Feu Rouge" 1993, by Monica Machado
By Monica Machado
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Monica Machado
Born in Lisbonne (Portugal) in 1966. Lives in Paris since 1981.
Exhibition:
1993-1997. Callu-Mérite Gallery, Paris
1994.Solo Show Galerie Callu-Mérite, Paris
19...
Category
20th Century European Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Earthenware
Great Sculpture "Sweeping Ballet for 7 Dancers" 2001, by Monica Machado
By Monica Machado
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Monica Machado
Born in Lisbonne (Portugal) in 1966. Lives in Paris since 1981.
Technique : Assembly of different brooms, bicycle parts, hanger and furniture leg, resin, glass fib...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Monumental Sculpture "Still Life, Staging a Meal", 1993 by Monica Machado
By Monica Machado
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Monica Machado
Born in Lisbonne (Portugal) in 1966. Lives in Paris since 1981.
Technique : wood, furniture leg, armrest, chair, drawer, wiring, mortar, tow, water pump, lighting,...
Category
20th Century European Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Resin, Wood
Bronze sculpture "Telephone booth" by André Barelier 'born in 1934'
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Signed bronze sculpture with brown patina, numeroted 1/8.
Category
20th Century French Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Great Sculpture "Blanky Tree" 1996, by Monica Machado
By Monica Machado
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Monica Machado
Born in Lisbonne (Portugal) in 1966. Lives in Paris since 1981.
Technique: textile work. Stuffed animals mosaic reworked and reassembled
Exhibition:
1993 to 19...
Category
20th Century European Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Textile
Great Sculpture "Provisions" 1997-1998, by Monica Machado
By Monica Machado
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Monica Machado
Born in Lisbonne (Portugal) in 1966. Lives in Paris, since 1981.
Technique: Modified caddie, silicon glue and glass on fabric, lighting, magnifying glass, packages...
Category
20th Century European Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Series of 14 Original Ceramincs by Francky Criquet
By Francky Criquet
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Francky Criquet. Born in 1968.
Glazed stoneware masks. Human and animal faces. Each piece is unique
Dimensions: between 25 and 35 cm.
Category
20th Century Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Earthenware
Terracotta Sculpture "Man Helmet" by Osvaldo Rodriguez ‘Born in 1946’
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Polychromed terracotta proof, signed inside and dated 1985.
It placed on a base with a dedication of the artist's hand: "For Atila and Leela with great friendship, Osvaldo Rodriguez...
Category
Vintage 1980s Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Bronze Sculpture "Love" 1982, by Jacques Tenenhaus
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Bronze brown patina, signed and numbered "Jacques Tenenhaus 1/8".
Landowski Foundry's mark.
Exhibition: Liliane François Gallery, 1983.
Category
20th Century Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Bronze Sculpture "Etre" 'to Be' 1990, by Catherine Val
By Catherine Val
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Bronze with green and brown patina, Jean Capelli Foundry, signed, 1/8.
Bibliography : 15th International Impact Art Festival, 1994, Kyoto (Japon), page 15/.
Category
20th Century French Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Bronze sculpture "Etre" 'to be' 1995, by Catherine Val
By Catherine Val
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Unique piece, signed, Jean Capelli Foundry.
Category
20th Century French Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Bronze Sculpture "Âme" 1989, by Catherine Val
By Catherine Val
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Bronze sculpture with green and golden brown patina, 2/8, signed. Jean Capelli's foundry.
Category
20th Century French Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Bronze Sculpture "Chained woman" 2000, by Jacques Tenenhaus
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Bronze with black patina. Signed and numbered on the right foot "Jacques Tenenhaus 1/8", Landowski Foundry's mark, 2001. Provenance: Artist's Workshop.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Bronze Sculpture "Europa-Libertas" 1990, by Catherine Val
By Catherine Val
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Bronze, Jean Capelli Foundry, 1/8.
On one side reads Europa, another Libertas. The combination of two words sculpture posing interesting problems.
Bibliography : Sculptures, catalogue d’exposition, galerie Thorigny, 1990, page 40...
Category
20th Century French Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Bronze Sculpture "Head Bent Back" by Michel Warren
By Michel Warren
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Bronze test with black patina signed and numbered 4/8.
Foundry Mark Valsuani F. Bagneux.
Category
20th Century Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Bronze Sculpture "Head resting on the Shoulder" by Michel Warren
By Michel Warren
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Bronze test with black patina signed and numbered 3/8.
Foundry Mark Valsuani.
Category
20th Century Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Bronze Sculpture "Gagged Head Back" by Michel Warren
By Michel Warren
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Bronze test with black patina signed and numbered 2/8. Foundry Mark Valsuani F. Bagneux.
Category
20th Century Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Bronze Sculpture "Bust with a Bandaged Head" by Michel Warren
By Michel Warren
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Michel Warren (1930-1975)
Bronze test with black patina
Signed and numbered : 2/8.
Foundry Mark Valsuani : F. Bagneux.
Category
20th Century Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Wood Sculpture Depicting John the Baptist
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This wood scultpure showing fine traces of polychromy depicts John the Baptist, one the Old Testament’s last prophets and the first martyr of the New Testament. He is easily recognizable with the lamb he is carrying in his left hand. The way the artist has carved the face exudes a spiritual strenght inherited from previous centuries.
Description
Saint John the Baptist is depicted bare feet, seated in a hieratic manner. His elongated face is marked by a beard and a moustache. The straight nose and wide eyes indicate a Spanish origin. This asumption is reaffirmed by the Saint’s resigned expression.
His parted hair frames his face while uncovering his ears.
He wears a round collar red-orange tunic, draped onto the body and belted at the waist. A flap of his green coat covers his knees and falls down in stylized pleats.
Following iconographic rules Saint John the Baptist is pointing with his right hand the lamb seated...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Spanish Gothic Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Wood Low-Relief Depicting a Werewolf and Saint George
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Exceptional polychrome wood low-relief depicting a werewolf and saint george after a woodcut by lucas cranach (“DER WERWOLF” 1512)
Provenance :
collection Brimo de Laroussihle
colle...
Category
Antique 16th Century German Renaissance Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
16th Century Southern Germany Wood Figure of Saint Roch
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Easily recognizable with his gesture of showing pest effect on his thigh this pilgrim saint is accompanied by an angel curing him. The quality of the wood is noteworthy.
Bibliography
Louis Réau, Iconographie de l’Art Chrétien...
Category
Antique 16th Century German Renaissance Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Late 15th Century Polychrome Wood Carving Depicting the Nativity
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
While the birth of Christ is briefly told in the Gospel of Luke (2, 7) it is in the apocryphal texts that we find most of the elements and details that have then inspired artists. As of the 14th century and even more of the 15th century the subject of the Adoration of the Child replaces in Western art the scene of the Birth, much favoured in Byzantine art. Instead of being depicted lying with the new-born swathed in the manger, the Virgin is now kneeling, her hands joined in prayer in front of the naked child. This change was probably hastened by the popularity of the visions of Saint Bridget of Sweden to whom the Virgin allegedly appeared to show how she had given birth to Jesus (Visions, VII, chap. 21).
Sheltered by a thatch-roofed structure the Virgin is kneeling in front of the Child Jesus. She wears a magnificent red dress under a large gold cloak. Her curled blond hair is partially veiled. The newborn is lying on a straw mat. Joseph is depicted with a parted beard and stands opposite from the Virgin. He wears a tunic and a coat with a purse hanging from the belt. His costume reminds us of the long journey him and Mary have accomplished to reach Bethlehem.
Two other women are present. One is looking through the stable’s window to observe the Holy Family while another one kneels in prayer in front of the divine child. The rich costume of the lady might indicate she is a donator.
However they could also both represent the women who took part in the birth of Christ, Zelemi and Salome. Salome, incredulous did not believe in the virginal conception of Mary and she is represented far from the scene. The artist has depicted her with an expression of doubt on her face. Zelemi, on the contrary, is a believer. She is rewarded by a place of honour at the heart of the scene, close to Mary.
To the left the donkey and ox that have accompanied Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem observe quietly the scene.
On the foreground two angels hold a scroll reading an excerpt from the Gloria : “/Gloria/ in excelsis /Deo/.” One of the angels wears a blue cape while the other’s is red Those two colours are very significant as during Middle-Ages blue symbolises hope and red charity. Together they express the hope in redemption thanks to the advent of Christ and his sacrifice to come.
Above the main scene, up a cliff, a small shepherd lets his herd of sheep graze amidst the trees. He is framed by two walled cities.
This wood carving is the work of a very skilled and inventive artist. The piece bears witness to his exceptional talent. The realism of the scene is emphasised by the amount of details depicted. The refinement of the carving itself is highlighted by the well preserved polychromy.
This key moment of the New Testament is set in a contemporary context thanks to the clothes of the characters and the scenes of rural life. The universal dimension of the scene is intensified while allowing contemporary viewers to grasp its meaning more easily.
This care for details, the picturesque realism as well as the extraordinary rendition of the cloths suggest it was made by a Flemish artist during the late 15th century.
This relief can be compared with the panel of the Nativity from the Saint-Vaast altarpiece made by Jacques Daret between 1433 and 1435, today in Madrid’s Thyssen-Bronemisza Museum.
Literature
Louis Réau, Iconographie de l’Art chrétien...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Dutch Gothic Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Important 14th Century Polychrome Limestone Virgin from Lorraine
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Provenance :
- Kunsthaus Heinrich Hahn, Frankfurt am Main, sale 16, June 17, 1930, lot 16.
- Sotheby's, Amsterdam, Feb. 26, 2006, lot 201.
HISTORIC
Located between Moselle valley and Meuse valley, framed by the Vosges Mountains on the south side and the duchy of Luxembourg on the north side, the duchy of Lorraine is the result of several partitions. It starts with the 9th century when the Carolingian empire is divided, with Lothar 1st inheriting Lotharingia. In 959 this territory was in turn divided in two; Lower and Upper Lotharingia, the latter being the forebear of the duchy of Lorraine. This duchy was under the rule of the Holy Roman Germanic Empire until 1736 when it was absorbed by the kingdom of France.
All along its history the duchy of Lorraine has found itself in the midst of many conflicts. Alliances and feuds marking European history were always particularly sensible in Lorraine where instability was frequent. Because of its geographic position the duchy of Lorraine was also an artistic crossroad.
Hence the duchy of Lorraine becomes from the 13th century onwards an important artistic centre where a particular type of Virgin and Child appears. According to professor J. A. Schmoll the characteristics of Lorraine sculpture burgeon around 1280-1300 in the Aube region. It presents “vigorous volumes, restrained movements, rare but solemn gestures and a strong interiorised and stern expression”. Those Virgins look similar with a wide forehead, a shield- or oval-shaped face, large neck, small lips and a cleft chin.
This model is particularly in favour during the 13th century because of the revival for Marial worship and for the theme of the Virgin and Child. It bears witness to a new religious sensibility with a more intimate vision of religious practice.
DESCRIPTION
The important 14th century Virgin we present to you is one of the most beautiful examples of sculptural art from Eastern France, with her fascinating distant gaze.
Her contrapposto posture is induced by the weight of the child she carries high on her left side. The child has a chubby face framed by blond hair with well defined curls and he wears a long red V-collared tunic from which emerge his feet. The fabric is animated by long folds. The position of the right foot turned to the back is a detail we can notice on several Virgins from Lorraine. He holds a bird that seems to be pecking his thumb.
“The bird /held by the child in his hands/ has been read as a reference to an episode from Christ’s childhood when he has moulded sparrows with clay before giving them life. It appears in the apocryphal gospel of Pseudo-Matthew (ch. 27) and later in the Quran (III, 43, v. 110). However the iconography seems to be more influenced by the concept of Redemption or of Eucharist, the bird symbolising the soul of the Christian about to be redeemed or revitalised.”
Mary wears a long dress with two rock crystal cabochons remaining from the original five. She is covered by a red cloak enriched with old-gold motifs draped as an apron falling in long pleats along her left hip. The relief treatment and the volume of the cloak developing a network of concentric pleats contrast with the the flat pleating of her dress. They nevertheless suggest the curve of her bent right leg.
She wears a floret crown securing a short thin veil carved in very low relief. From it emerges her blond curled hair characteristic of the 13th century. The large face with almond-shaped eyes, straight nose, small lips and cleft chin casts its gaze afar in a fashion typical of 13th century Virgins.
In her right hand she holds a lily flower. In a very refined manner the artist has carved a band on her right ring-finger.
In the back, carefully sculpted, spreads the minutely detailed short veil.
COMPARATIVE STUDIES
This sculpture of great quality presents obvious similarities with Virgins from Lorraine, designated by William Forsythe...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier French Gothic Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Limestone
16th Century Polychrome Reliquary of a Monk
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
The monk is depicted with an oval face, marked with high and strong cheekbones, sunken cheeks, strong jawbones and a cleft chin. His almond shaped eyes are opened under very strong a...
Category
Antique 16th Century Italian Renaissance Busts
Materials
Wood
13th Century Virgin and Child from Catalonia
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Seating on a bench-like throne the Virgin carries her child on her left knee.
She bears an important crown high on her head .The Virgin has an ovoid face with bulging eyes, straight long nose and thin lips. The hair parts in the middle and are carved as thick horizontals parallel hair strands...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Spanish Gothic Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Oak
15th Century Burgundian Low-Relief Depicting Scenes of the Nativity
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Provenance : In the same private collection for several generations, Burgundy.
The canonical Gospels describe briefly the episode of the Nativity. It comprises three parts :
• The Preludes : the Journey to Bethlehem, the Census
• The Nativity
• The Announce to the Shepherds and the Adoration of the Magi
Only the Gospel according to Matthew (2, 1-12) speaks about the Adoration of the Magi. Staying vague about their number it does say they brought the newborn gold, incense and myrrh. The apocryphals, the fathers of the Church and many other authors have filled in the gaps of the evangelic tale. The sobriety and symbolic of the story have been a huge inspiration to artists. Although one of the oldest depictions of the Adoration of the Magi dates from the 2nd century the theme became very popular in Christian art during the late 14th century. One of the reasons explaining this success is that it celebrates both the Virgin and Christ at the same time.
This important walnut panel is carved in a strong relief and depicts the different steps of the story of Jesus’ birth.
On the left, the donkey and ox that have accompanied Mary and Joseph from Bethlehem are depicted behind a trough. On the thatch roof appears the star that would guide the magi to the place of birth of Jesus.
Mary is wearing a veil and is seating on a bed. She holds her baby at arm’s length to present him to the magi. Saint Joseph is by her side. The old man is holding a cane in his left hand while from the right hand he seems to uncover himself to greet the visitors.
A woman assists to the scene.
In front of the holy family the three magi stand behind one another to pay their homage to the newborn.
The first magi has a pointed beard. He is already kneeling out of deference and has placed his crown to his feet. He gives the baby a hanap filled with gold coins. This is Melchior as the legend describes him with white hair and a long beard.
Caspar, the second magi bears a cup of incense. He is looking at the third magi and with his right hand he points to the star that has guided them there. He has a short beard and wears crakow shoes, breeches and a wide sleeved doublet.
Finally Balthazar, the elegant last magi proceeds proudly towards the holy family with his one hand on the saber’s hilt and the other holding a cup. He brings the divine child the myrrh. He probably just dismounted as the horse can be seen behind him.
The scene is set in a very detailed and narrative decor. In the right part of the panel the shepherd receive the announce of Jesus’ birth. An angel comes down from heaven with a scroll bearing the good news in his hands. The herding dog sleeps peacefully while sheeps graze. At the top of the cliff we notice the gilded sheeps enclosure.
The panel’s moulded frame is carved with a foliated decor. In it’s centre appears a coat-of-arms. It is the alliance of the three magi’s arms. Indeed as it was common for legendary figures the three of them received imaginaries coat-of-arms. Thus, on a field of azure stands a star for Melchior, a crescent for Caspar and a pennon for Balthazar.
This high-relief panel is undeniably the work of a very skilled and imaginative artist. This key moment in the New Testament is transposed to a contemporary environment thanks to the figures’ clothing and the rural daily life scene. This way the universal dimension of the episode is highlighted allowing a better understanding for the contemporaries.
The sculptor has represented the episodes of the Adoration of the Magi and the Announce to the Shepherd with great talent and numerous details giving life to a picturesque and narrative scene. The important traces of polychromy give those already very animated scenes a stronger pictorial power and a rich dynamism.
Because of the picturesque and familiar realism so dear to the artists of the late Medieval era, of the didactic function of this type of panel as well as the quality of the sculpture this piece is an astounding example of Burgundian art of the 15th century.
Literature
Louis Réau, Iconographie de l’Art chrétien...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier French Gothic Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Walnut
Gothic Virgin and Child from Flanders
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Exhibition
Museum Cantini, 1952, The art of the Middle Ages in the Marseille collections, n°101
Provenance
Former collection Louis Bresset (before 1952)
Former collection Profe...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Dutch Gothic Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Oak
Gothic Virgin and Child with a Phylactery
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This Virgin and Child is wearing clothes with a limited number of folds and showing a thickness characteristic of the Burgundy region. As a result of the presence in the region of th...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier French Gothic Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Walnut
14th Century Sculpture of the Head of an Angel from East of France or Rhineland
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This face with prominent eyes, open mouth and beautiful hairs with symetrical undulations may be the face of the Archangel Gabriel.
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier French Gothic Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Albert Leclerc, "Portrait of a Woman"
By Albert Leclerc
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Albert Leclerc (1906 – 1975)
Portrait de femme
Signed on the chignon : « Albert Leclerc », along the lower right edge foundry mark « Susse Fondeur Paris »
Bronze, with brown p...
Category
20th Century Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
20th Century Sculpture "Woman" by Blasco-Ferrer
By Eleuterio Blasco Ferrer 1
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
BLASCO-FERRER Eleuterio said Blasco
Born in 1907 in Foz-Calanda in Aragon (Spain)
"Woman"
Old collection Raton, Gabrielle Laroche’s collection...
Category
20th Century Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Edmond Moirignot, Faun Playing the Flute or Satyr, c. 1959
By Edmond Moirignot
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Edmond Moirignot (1913-2002)
Faun playing the flute or Satyr, Before 1959
Godard lost wax, foundry mark
Signed « MOIRIGNOT »
Exhibition ...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Edmond Moirignot, The Sacred Dance, 1965
By Edmond Moirignot
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Edmond Moirignot (1913-2002),
The sacred dance, 1965
Valsuani Foundry
2 / 6
Exhibition of the plaster at Montmorency Gallery, Paris, december 1965
Exhibition of the bronze...
Category
Vintage 1960s French Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Edmond Moirignot, Young Lady, 1967
By Edmond Moirignot
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Young Lady, 1967
Bronze sculpture, lost wax
Signed « MOIRIGNOT », numeroted 5/8
Foundry mark Ducros
Measures: Height : 39 cm
Historic :
Exhibition Pacitti Gallery, Par...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Edmond Moirignot, Mother Courage
By Edmond Moirignot
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Edmond Moirignot (1913-2002)
Mother courage, Circa 1989
Bronze black blue patina
2/6
Foundry’s Mark « Ducros »
Reproduced in Catalogue raisonné, Moirignot, Claude Jeancola...
Category
Late 20th Century French Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Carved Amber Figure of Christ
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This fine amber sculpture depicting Jesus Christ is a very rare object. Exemples of this sort can only be found in Germanic countries.
Already used during Prehistoric times, amber have always fascinated people. Because of the virtues associated with this material amber was carved as amulets and prophylactic ornaments. As an expression of luxury and means amber was also used for adornments and small figures collected by the upper classes.
This fossilized resin was picked on the Baltic Sea shores and soon entered a intense trade system.
From the 14th century onwards knights of the Teutonic Order...
Category
Antique 19th Century German Gothic Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Other
Lidicky Karel, "Pain", 20th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
LIDICKY KAREL 1900 - 1976
Pain
Bronze proof with brown patina
Signed on the terrace
Measures: Height: 48.5 cm
Provenance: S. MEHRINGER, Munich.
Category
20th Century Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
André Barelier, "Autoportrait à la Salle de Bain", 1981
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
André Barelier Né en 1934
Autoportrait à la Salle de Bain
1981
Premier Grand Prix de Rome
Sculpture en bronze à patine brune
3/6
Signée
R...
Category
20th Century Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Fabrice Lebar, "Man under a Sheet", 20th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
FABRICE LEBAR
Man under a sheet
Bronze patinated
Artist proof
Signed and numeroted 1/1.
Category
20th Century Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Noël Van Cauwenberghe, "Jean-Paul Sartre, L'Enfer c'est les autres"
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Noël Van Cauwenberghe (Born in 1935)
« Jean-Paul Sartre, L'enfer c'est les autres »
Patinated bronze proof, signed, titled, lost wax.
Foundry stamp.
Height : 65 cm.
Category
20th Century Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze