15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
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Period: 15th Century and Earlier
Item Ships From: Europe
Amethyst Geode with Several Mineral Crystal Formations Inside
Located in London, GB
Resembling an infinity sign, this whole geode is a stunning and rich piece, full of mineralogical information. The outer layer is basalt, the interior amethyst crystals, and at the h...
Category
Uruguayan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Agate, Amethyst, Quartz
Ancient South Arabian Alabaster Statue
Located in London, GB
South Arabian Calcite female figure
3rd Century BC to 1st century A.D.
Calcite Alabaster
height: 30.5 cm
A magnificent alabaster female figure, a f...
Category
Yemeni Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Alabaster
Natural Gogotte Specimen Formation
Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex
A Gogotte Formation
Of natural form, dating from the Oligocene period (30 Million years ago). Beguiling natural mineral formation, they are the result of calcium carbonate binding w...
Category
French Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
15th Century Corpus Christi Wood Sculpture
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare late 15th century or early 16th century Gothic Corpus Christi wood sculpture. Probably North German or South Sweden. This large Christ sculpture...
Category
German Gothic Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Mantelliceras Fossil Ammonite On Steel Mount
By Modenature
Located in Scorton, GB
The latest edition to arrive at THE FOSSIL STORE™ is our famous and exquisite series of Mantelliceras ammonites presented on our designed swivel mount. The newly prepared Mantellicer...
Category
North African Prehistoric Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Limestone, Stainless Steel
Gogotte Formation
Located in London, GB
Gogotte formation
circa 30 Million y/o
Measures : 42 x 21 x 63 cm.
A magnificent example of a gogotte formation, composed of thick swirls and fo...
Category
French Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Sandstone
Large Imperial Black Porphyry specimen
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Rare and Large Imperial Black Porphyry architectural fragment
partially polished,
23,5 x 15 x 12 cm
Porfido Nero is a rare Black Variety of Imperial Porphyry from Gebel Dokhan (th...
Category
Italian Classical Roman Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Porphyry
High Quality Half Amethyst Geode with Calcite Formation
Located in London, GB
A stunning half geode with an incredible amethyst and overlaid calcite formation at the bottom. The interior of the piece is a very deep cavity which presents very high-quality ameth...
Category
Uruguayan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Agate, Amethyst, Quartz
Virgin and Child in Majesty
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Virgin and child in majesty
Origine: castille
Epoque: early 14th century
Measures: Height: 72cm
Length: 30cm
Depth: 25cm
Polychrome and gi...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
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
Spanish Gothic Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Softwood
Monolithic Stone Meteorite
Located in London, GB
Unclassified Meteorite
Stone
Height: 36.83 cm
42.5 kg
A dramatic extraterrestrial sculpture, of monolithic form, covered in a thick grey-brown fusion crust and with areas of sandy deposits from untold years spent on the desert floor. Formed in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter during the formation of our solar system, some 4.55 billion years ago, this large stone would have been separated from its parent body by an enormous impact before journeying through interplanetary space and eventually reaching Earth.
Upon atmospheric entry it would have reached cosmic velocity, heating the surrounding air to 1700°C and producing a large ball of fire. The heat was sufficient to melt the outer surface of the stone, exposing a new surface which in turn also melted away, losing as much as 95% of its initial mass before reaching the ground. The last molten layer to form as it collided with the Earth covered the stone in a layer of fusion crust, evidence of the incredible impact force delivered by this extraordinary specimen.
“This unclassified stone meteorite was found in Northwest Africa. It has a relatively smooth, dark brown, slightly weathered fusion crust; some small melt veins are visible on the surface. Due to the near-absence of terrestrial rocks in this region of the Sahara, meteorite hunting in this area has yielded many notable discoveries.”
Dr Alan E. Rubin, PhD Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences...
Category
North African Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
Purple Half Geode Amethyst with Calcite Formations Shaped as Cathedral or Chapel
Located in London, GB
This is a stunning half geode with a shape often referred to by collectors as a “chapel” or “cathedral”, due to the elongated shape that occurred millions of years ago when trapped b...
Category
Uruguayan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Agate, Amethyst, Quartz
Large Amethyst Formation with Calcite Towers
Located in London, GB
Two calcite “towers” grace the centre of this impressive piece, which also
has large peaked amethyst crystals and quartz and goethite covered calcites.
The exterior has been kept i...
Category
Uruguayan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Agate, Amethyst, Quartz
Large Smokey Quartz Crystal with Black Tourmaline
Located in London, GB
An impressive, large single crystal point of smoky quartz with pleasing facets. The interior of the quartz crystal is interspersed with gorgeous black tourmaline in a variety of orie...
Category
Brazilian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Quartz, Tourmaline
Impressive Amethyst Pillar with White Quartz Section
Located in London, GB
Given its breath-taking stature, one can see that this amethyst cluster was freed from an especially large geode and with amethyst of exceptional quality within.
The color and size...
Category
Uruguayan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Amethyst, Quartz
High Quality Deep Purple Amethyst with Calcite Surrounded by Quartz and Hematite
Located in London, GB
A stunning deep purple amethyst piece with calcite formation. From the rough basalt on the outside, to the high quality rich purple amethyst crystals inside and calcite formation, th...
Category
Uruguayan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Agate, Amethyst, Quartz
Half Polished Amethyst Geode with Agate Border and Calcite Formation
Located in London, GB
A half polished geode with a thick agatised border. The inside covered by deep purple amethyst crystals and 2 beautiful calcite formations at the centre, one of them covered with a b...
Category
Uruguayan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Agate, Amethyst, Quartz
Collection of 7 Small Natural Mineral Specimens
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A striking collection of 7 mineral specimens in natural form sourced from an ex British private collection.
Each presented on exclusive custom display plinths, this collection showc...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Natural Fiber
Fossil Spinosaurus Dinosaur Tooth 107mm
Located in Scorton, GB
Unearthed in the continental intercalaire, a significant 105mm Spinosaurus tooth highlights 19 million years of evolutionary prowess. Known for its sail-like dorsal fin, potent jaws,...
Category
North African Prehistoric Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze, Enamel
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
Dutch Gothic Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Egyptian Fragment of a Seated Man - Ancient Egypt, 26th Dynasty (664-525 BC)
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Egyptian Fragment of a Seated Man
Limestone - polychromy
Ancient Egypt, 26th Dynasty (664-525 BC)
Most likely from the tomb of Montw-m-H3t
Provenanc...
Category
Egyptian Egyptian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Limestone
Fossil Marine Mosasaur of The Cretaceous Period
Located in Scorton, GB
A wonderful example of a Cretaceous mosasaur. The original Halisaurus arambourgi mosasaur mandibles and vertebrae, measuring 2.9ft, include a well-preserved, near-complete skull, low...
Category
North African Prehistoric Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Limestone
Etruscan Sculpture Head, 4th Century B.C., Italy
Located in Girona, Spain
DESCRIPTION: Etruscan sculpture head made with terracotta, the art represents a young man from the 4th century. It's a very decorative piece and the stat...
Category
Italian Classical Greek Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
Important Virgin and Child in Majesty
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Important virgin and child in majesty
Origin : Germany Or Eastern France
Époque : Second Half Of The 13th Century
Height: 104.5 cm
Length: 3...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Oak
Fossil Marine Fish Skull Brychaetus Muelleri
Located in Scorton, GB
A highly important and scientifically rare discovery of a wonderfully preserved bony fish skull that displays distinctive mandibles and fully articulated skeletal maxillary with elon...
Category
North African Prehistoric Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Limestone
An Outstanding, Highly Important Fossilised Tree
Located in Scorton, GB
A masterpiece of nature that will transform your space into a sanctuary of palaeontological expression. A remarkable piece of natural history that began its journey aeons ago, when a...
Category
Malagasy Prehistoric Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Limestone
Mantelliceras Fossil Ammonite On Steel Mount
By Modenature
Located in Scorton, GB
The latest edition to arrive at THE FOSSIL STORE™ is our famous and exquisite series of Mantelliceras ammonites presented on our designed swivel mount. The newly prepared Mantellicer...
Category
North African Prehistoric Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Limestone, Stainless Steel
Amethyst Cluster with Stalactite Formations and Calcite Crystals
Located in London, GB
An exquisite and rare amethyst cluster with stalactite formations and calcite crystals.
The stunning piece’s shape resembles a “Cascade” or “waterfa...
Category
Uruguayan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Agate, Amethyst, Quartz
Decorative Mounted Lapis Lazuli Section
Located in London, GB
A gorgeous slab of vibrant lapis lazuli. Lapis lazuli inclides lazurite (intense
blue), calcite (white veins) and pyrite (gold flecks). Prized since ancient
times, this is a wonder...
Category
Afghan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Lapis Lazuli
Large Deep Spherical Amethyst Geode
Located in London, GB
A wonderful and substantial spherical geode is shown here, with deep purple
amethyst crystals enveloping a central calcite. A quintessential geode and a
striking display piece.
...
Category
Uruguayan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Agate, Amethyst, Quartz
Roman Marble Head of Sophocles
Located in London, GB
Roman Marble Head of Sophocles
Circa 1st-2nd Century
Marble
This fine Roman marble head preserves the proper left side of the face of a middle-aged man, with broad nose, soft lips, and bearded chin. The short beard and sideburns have been finely carved with a flat chisel, to render the soft, wavy strands of hair. The cheekbone, undereye, and nasolabial folds have been delicately modelled in the marble by a skilled hand. In a letter from 1975, the former director of Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen, suggested that the head could depict the Ancient Greek tragedian Sophocles.
Few figures in the Classical world stand aside Sophocles (c. 496-406 BC), inarguably the best known of the Athenian tragedians, in terms of the impact his works have had on the history of art and literature. The psychological depth he achieves in the seven of the 123 of his plays that have survived to the present day - most notably the three Theban plays: Antigone, Oedipus the King, and Oedipus at Colonus - not only inspired the Athenians, among whom Sophocles was honoured as a hero long after his death, but in our own time, have provoked landmark works on phychoanalysis and literary criticism, by thinkers like René Girard and, most famously, Sigmund Freud. In its masterful treatment of the marble this fragment sensitively captures the features of one of the most important playwrights of all time.
Height on stand: 7.9 inches (20 cm).
Provenance:
Collection of Danish sculptor Jens Adolf Jerichau...
Category
Classical Roman Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Calycoceras Asiaticum Fossil Ammonite & Bronzed Stand
By Modenature
Located in Scorton, GB
THE FOSSIL STORE AES Bronze stand series is an excellent example of a double-sided Calycoceras asiaticum ammonite measuring 205mm. Now transformed into ...
Category
British Prehistoric Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Limestone, Bronze
Important Sedes Sapientiae Virgin and Child also called "Throne of Wisdom"
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
IMPORTANT SEDES SAPIENTIAE VIRGIN AND CHILD
ALSO CALLED « THRONE OF WISDOM »
ORIGIN: FRANCE, BURGUNDY
PERIOD: EARLY 13th CENTURY
Height : 75 cm
Len...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Oak
Collection of 5 Natural Mineral Specimens
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A varied and fascinating collection of 5 natural mineral specimens, ex. private British collection.
Each presented on an exclusive small painted display plinth, this group contains ...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Amethyst, Malachite, Multi-gemstone, Quartz
Pair of Terracotta Han Guards in Polychrome Paint China Han-Dynastie, TL Tested
Located in Salzburg, AT
Pair of terracotta Han guardsmen in polychrome paint China TL tested
Pair of rare standing male terracotta sculptures/warriors of the Chinese Han dynasty from the 2nd century BC.
W...
Category
Han Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Acrylic, Terracotta
Fossil Dinosaur Tibia Leg Bone of Spinosaurus
Located in Scorton, GB
A Fossil Spinosaurus Dinosaur Tibia 2.3ft leg section in surmounted bronze AES stand.
Unearthed in the continental intercalaire, this 2.3-foot Spinosaurus tibia section highlights a ...
Category
North African Prehistoric Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
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
French Gothic Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Walnut
Fossil Cambropallas Trilobite Surmounted Etched Brass stand
Located in Scorton, GB
AES Brass stand series brings you Cambropallas tellesto fossil now transformed with our elegant, innovated-designed stand series, an extraordinary Cambropallas tellesto fossil trilo...
Category
North African Prehistoric Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Limestone, Brass
Edmontosaurus Skull
Located in London, GB
An impressive skull of an Edmontosaurus, a large herbivorous dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, 68-66 million years ago. The three rows of sixty or more teeth on either side of the jaw, known as the ‘dental battery’, mark the Edmontosaurus as part of the Hadrosauridae, or duckbill family of dinosaurs. It belongs to the flat-skulled, or solid-crested, Hadrosaurinae, which replaced the older hollow-crested hadrosaurs. Edmontosaurus was one of the last non-avian dinosaurs to ever exist, living shortly before the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event.
The Edmontosaurus was named in 1917 by Lawrence Lambe, after a partial specimen from Edmonton in Alberta, Canada. The existence of large Edmontosaur bone beds...
Category
American Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Bone
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
French Gothic Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Limestone
Roman Marble Head of a Satyr
Located in London, GB
Head of a Satyr
Roman, circa 2nd - 3rd century AD
Carved and highly polished marble
An extremely fine marble head of a satyr, depicted with ivy wreath, curly hair and pointed goat’s ear, the full lips slightly parted to reveal the creature’s clenched teeth.
The head was once part of a relief with visible fragmentation on the left side. Almost completely worked in the round and carefully polished, the skill of the sculptor is particularly remarkable given the confined working space available for a relief carving, such as this.
The Roman Imperial Period marked the expansion of the political and cultural influence of the Roman Empire. The period began with the reign of Augustus in 27 BC, immediately following Caesar’s assassination which ultimately ended Rome’s time as a republic. Soon after, Augustus’ defeat of Anthony and...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Petrified Incense Cedar Wood Fossil
Located in London, GB
This spectacular cross section of petrified cedar wood comes from Saddle Mountain, Washington. It is remarkably large with a wonderful and highly aesthetic shape, exhibiting vibrant ...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Petrified Wood
Pink Druzy Amethyst Sculptural Formation with Central Calcite Crystal
Located in London, GB
Colours fuse together in this uniquely beautiful piece, presenting the viewer with mixed of pink druze, lilac amethyst and white quartz.
A dynamic miner...
Category
Uruguayan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Agate, Amethyst, Quartz
Large Ammonite Fossil - Mounted on Marble Base
Located in Madrid, ES
Presenting an impressive large ammonite fossil, elegantly mounted on a marble base, making it a stunning piece for both collectors and interior decorators. The fossil is securely hel...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
Important 15th Century Polychrome Wood Virgin and Child
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Important 15th century polychrome wood virgin and child
Origin: Southern Germany
Period: Late 15th Century, Ca. 1480-1490
Height : 125 cm
Polychrome limewood
Good condition
Provenance : Private collection, Alsace, France.
As soon as 1430, sculpture starts a major and deep stylistic evolution than will unfold over a century, until around 1530. We call it the International Gothic. This production is particularly interested in a quest for realism.
This important Virgin and Child wears a long red dress with a round gilded neckline. A delicate golden belt...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Hermes Head Sculpture, 4th Century, Greece
Located in Girona, Spain
Hermes head sculpture.
Greek Bust representing Hermes.
Hermes is an Olympian deity, the God of Speed, in ancient Greek religion and mythology.
Sculpted ...
Category
Greek Classical Greek Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone, Marble, Metal
Large Prehistoric Cladocyclus Fossil Fish Specimen
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A large fossil of a prehistoric Cladocyclus fish sourced from an ex private British collection.
Discovered in Brazil, this impressive piece of natural history has been preserved by ...
Category
Brazilian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
Deep Purple Amethyst Cluster with Calcite Surrounded by Agate
Located in London, GB
An interesting and stunning amethyst cluster with a striking mineral and colour mix.
In this aesthetic piece the edges have been polished to reveal layers of a vibrant green celadonite, blue-grey agate and white quartz, which frame the intense purple colour of the amethyst.
The interior of the mineral sculpture is endowed with a gorgeous very deep purple amethyst...
Category
Uruguayan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Agate, Amethyst, Quartz
Gleaming Quartz Sphere with Golden Rutile
Located in London, GB
Immerse yourself in the splendour of this gleaming quartz sphere, featuring exquisite golden rutile inclusions from Brazil. The sphere's flawlessly polished surface enhances the intr...
Category
Brazilian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal, Bronze
Small Cluster of Amethyst Stalactite Formations - Mineral Display piece
Located in London, GB
This piece comprises a stunning example of deep purple amethyst, elegantly displayed on a metal stand, with a naturally decorative multiple stalactite formation.
The polished borders of the formation allow one to appreciate the visible grey and brown agate, green celadonite and pink jasper...
Category
Uruguayan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Agate, Amethyst, Quartz
Very Rare Casket Minnekästchen or Box, Germany or Italy, 15th Century
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Wooden coffret, call minnekästchen, engraved with a dog, a hare and foliage with
polychromy remains. During the Middle Age, the hare is a symbol of fertility, joy and represents the Christ...
Category
European Gothic Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
A Very Rare and Important Marble Relief of the ‘Resurrection of Christ’
Located in London, GB
A Very Rare and Important Marble Relief of the ‘Resurrection of Christ’
Attributed to the Master of the Mascoli Altar
Marble
Venice, Italy
Second half of the 15th Century
SIZE: ...
Category
Italian Renaissance Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Fossil Ray Fish Rhinobatos Hakelensis & Sawfish Libanopritis Hiram 1M Slab
Located in Scorton, GB
This exceedingly rare and exceptional fossil plate showcases a significant discovery of a ray fish [Rhinobatos hakelensis] and Sawfish [Libanopristis hiram], both complete and preser...
Category
Lebanese Prehistoric Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Limestone
Large Amethyst Chapel
Located in London, GB
This large amethyst chapel, a complete half of the original geode, shows
deep purple amethyst crystals punctuated with small stalactites and overlaid
...
Category
Uruguayan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Agate, Amethyst, Quartz
Pair of Louis XV Candelabra
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
Pair of wooden Louis XV candelabra.
Fantastic Pair of carved and gilded wooden palm holders. Terminating handles painted with plant elements and Chinese Lacquer (RARE). At the bott...
Category
Italian Louis XV Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
White Quartz Stalactite Formation
Located in London, GB
This substantial formation consists of prominent white quartz crystals
with a slight green tinge, laid over a bed of undulating stalactites. A small
hon...
Category
Uruguayan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Agate, Amethyst, Quartz
An Ammonite Fossil
Located in Schellebelle, BE
A beautiful Ammonite Fossil,
this extinct invertebrates marine animal lived 160 million years ago,
beautiful patina and shine of the stone,
beautiful array of colors,
very decorative...
Category
Malagasy Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Sandstone
Large onyx canoe bowl with craquelet effect
Located in London, GB
An exceptional, large bowl of canoe-like shape, carved from a single piece of Mexican onyx and polished to reveal the gorgeous translucence and banding that have made the stone desir...
Category
Mexican Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Onyx
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