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Head of a crowned Virgin - Lorraine, first half of 14th century

$69,289.99
£50,529.45
€58,000
CA$94,787.32
A$106,069.67
CHF 55,384.60
MX$1,304,016.17
NOK 698,740.55
SEK 657,511.41
DKK 441,378.96
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About the Item

Head of a crowned Virgin Lorraine, first half of 14th century. H26 x 14 x 14 cm Provenance : - Private Collection, Paris France (1960) Private Collection Tuscany, Italy (1980) Expertise by Art historian Bênoit Bertrand The face is delicately shaped, with fine, refined features: almond-shaped eyes framed by gently defined upper eyelids, a long, straight nose, and a mouth with thin lips, the upper lip slightly protruding. The chin is small and rounded, and the neck is strong and muscular.
Slightly inclined, with her gaze directed downward to the right, the Virgin’s graceful head is crowned with a jewel-encrusted diadem, its fleurons set with precious stones. This crown rests atop a short veil, which partially covers her wavy hair. The angle of her head suggests that she is cradling the Child in her arms, gazing upon Him.
The exceptional quality of the sculptural execution, marked by finely detailed features, reveals an artist’s extraordinary skill and precision. The characteristic "shield-shaped" face, framed by cascading wavy hair, and the almond-shaped eyes are hallmark traits of the Lorrain Virgins from the first half of the 14th century. Artists in northeastern France adapted the established style from Île-de-France, incorporating distinct regional elements, such as the short veil, the expressive, flattened face, the strong neck, and the pensive, solemn attitude.
This sculpture can be closely compared to a Virgin and Child from Lorraine, created during the same period, now preserved in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
A fragmentary Virgin’s head, displayed at the Louvre, although frontal in pose, shares unmistakable affinities with this one: both feature a crown adorned with cabochons and fleurons, supporting a short veil, its flattened pleats framing a head of wavy hair. The facial structure, slightly triangular, and the pronounced neck further align the two works.
What is particularly remarkable about this Virgin's head is the preservation of its original polychromy, with vibrant rosy tones on the cheeks and golden highlights in the hair, as well as the exceptional quality of the sculpting and the gentle, harmonious rendering of her features.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 10.24 in (26 cm)Width: 5.52 in (14 cm)Depth: 5.52 in (14 cm)
  • Style:
    Gothic (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Limestone,Carved,Gilt,Polychromed
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    14th century
  • Condition:
    Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use. Very slight retouching to the polychromy.
  • Seller Location:
    Bruxelles, BE
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU6666242549832

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