Glazed stoneware sculpture of Saint Solange or Saint Soulange by André Rozay.

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...

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.

Virgin and child in majesty Origine: castille Epoque: early 14th century Measures: Height: 72cm Length: 30cm Depth: 25cm Polychrome and gi...

SAINT AFRE OF AUGSBURG ORIGIN : SOUTHERN GERMANY PERIOD : 16th CENTURY Height : 119 cm Width : 50 cm Depth : 28 cm Limewood Good state of conservation Patron Saint of the city and the diocese of Augsburg, the oldest traces of her worship date back to the 6th century. There are several versions of his legend. She is sometimes identified as the daughter of a king of Cyprus whose violent and unexpected death forced her and her mother, Hilaria, to flee. They went to Augsburg via Rome. Others see her origins in Africa instead, her name meaning African in Latin. Settled in Augsburg, they became the owners of a notorious inn where they traded in their charms. Bishop Narcissus of Girona, accompanied by his deacon Felix, found refuge there one day, fleeing the persecution of Emperor Diocletian. As the two men prayed devoutly, Afre was touched by grace and asked to be baptized. She then left her old life and embraced the Christian faith. When the Roman authorities learned of his new vocation, they exhorted her to worship the old gods and to deny the Christian faith. She refused to renounce her faith and was sentenced to be burned alive. Her sentence was applied immediately and she suffered her mart...

Traditional religious plaster figure. Made in traditional Catalan atelier, Spain, circa 1930. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a b...

Large ceramic by French artist Jean Derval from the 50s. Outstanding ceramic depicting the Virgin and Child. Enameling in shades of white, red and brown. Very fine vintage condition,...

An imposing carved statue of a saint or ecclesiastical figure hewn from a single piece of white marble. The male figure in clerical vestments is gazing aloft and holding an open boo...

Rare and important French Art Deco ceramic sculpture by Marcel Renard (1893-1974), circa 1920s of a woman modeled in robes with a baby. Made...