12
15th-Century French Gothic Sculpture of the Madonna & Child
Estimate:
$800 - $2,000
Sold
$3,000
Live Auction
Sacred Statues: Gothic to Baroque 14th-17th C
Description
This exceptional Late Gothic polychrome wood sculpture, attributed to the French School and dating to the 15th century, depicts the Madonna standing in a dignified yet tender pose while holding the Christ Child. The figure exhibits the characteristic elegance and stylized realism associated with Late Gothic religious art, with elongated proportions, delicate facial modeling, and a serene yet solemn expression.
One of the most striking details is the Madonna's crown, which features a fleur-de-lis, a potent symbol of French royalty and divine protection. This emblem underscores the strong connection between Marian devotion and the monarchy in medieval France, particularly during the reign of the Valois dynasty. The figure's garment retains traces of its original polychromy, with remnants of red and ochre pigments hinting at the once-vibrant coloration that would have enhanced its sacred presence.
Carved from a single hollowed block of wood, a technique commonly employed to prevent cracking over time, the sculpture reflects the high level of craftsmanship of Gothic ecclesiastical art. The reverse side still bears evidence of its structural integrity, including a vertical metal bar, likely used for stabilization or mounting.
Based on its stylistic characteristics-its elongated proportions, solemn expression, and the presence of the fleur-de-lis-this piece likely originates from a Burgundian or Loire Valley workshop, both of which were renowned for their refined Late Gothic religious sculpture in the 15th century. The Burgundian region, particularly under the influence of the Dukes of Burgundy, was a major center for Gothic art in the 14th and 15th centuries. The sculpture's restrained elegance and naturalistic yet stylized facial features are reminiscent of the International Gothic style, which flourished in the Burgundian court and influenced religious sculpture. Workshops in Dijon and other Burgundian cities created numerous Madonna and Child figures for private and ecclesiastical devotion.
The Loire Valley, with its strong connections to the French monarchy and religious institutions, produced highly detailed polychrome sculptures for churches and chapels. The presence of the fleur-de-lis in the Madonna's crown suggests royal patronage or influence, making it plausible that this piece was crafted in a Loire Valley workshop closely tied to the royal court. Paris and its surrounding regions, including Normandy, were also major centers of Gothic sculpture, particularly with the flourishing of Marian devotion in cathedrals and churches. The expressive yet restrained facial features and the delicate folds in the Madonna's clothing suggest a possible connection to the Parisian School, which was highly influential in the later Gothic period.
Artist: French School
Issued: Early 15th century
Dimensions: 13"L x 11"W x 42"H
Country of Origin: France
Provenance: John and Johanna Bass Collection, New York, NY; Bass Museum of Art, Miami Beach, FL, 1963.
One of the most striking details is the Madonna's crown, which features a fleur-de-lis, a potent symbol of French royalty and divine protection. This emblem underscores the strong connection between Marian devotion and the monarchy in medieval France, particularly during the reign of the Valois dynasty. The figure's garment retains traces of its original polychromy, with remnants of red and ochre pigments hinting at the once-vibrant coloration that would have enhanced its sacred presence.
Carved from a single hollowed block of wood, a technique commonly employed to prevent cracking over time, the sculpture reflects the high level of craftsmanship of Gothic ecclesiastical art. The reverse side still bears evidence of its structural integrity, including a vertical metal bar, likely used for stabilization or mounting.
Based on its stylistic characteristics-its elongated proportions, solemn expression, and the presence of the fleur-de-lis-this piece likely originates from a Burgundian or Loire Valley workshop, both of which were renowned for their refined Late Gothic religious sculpture in the 15th century. The Burgundian region, particularly under the influence of the Dukes of Burgundy, was a major center for Gothic art in the 14th and 15th centuries. The sculpture's restrained elegance and naturalistic yet stylized facial features are reminiscent of the International Gothic style, which flourished in the Burgundian court and influenced religious sculpture. Workshops in Dijon and other Burgundian cities created numerous Madonna and Child figures for private and ecclesiastical devotion.
The Loire Valley, with its strong connections to the French monarchy and religious institutions, produced highly detailed polychrome sculptures for churches and chapels. The presence of the fleur-de-lis in the Madonna's crown suggests royal patronage or influence, making it plausible that this piece was crafted in a Loire Valley workshop closely tied to the royal court. Paris and its surrounding regions, including Normandy, were also major centers of Gothic sculpture, particularly with the flourishing of Marian devotion in cathedrals and churches. The expressive yet restrained facial features and the delicate folds in the Madonna's clothing suggest a possible connection to the Parisian School, which was highly influential in the later Gothic period.
Artist: French School
Issued: Early 15th century
Dimensions: 13"L x 11"W x 42"H
Country of Origin: France
Provenance: John and Johanna Bass Collection, New York, NY; Bass Museum of Art, Miami Beach, FL, 1963.
Condition
Age related wear. Sporadic loss of polychromy with modern addition of color on the lower part of the folds. Pieces of the feet of the child are missing.