13
15th-Century French Carved Wood St. Martin on Horse
Estimate:
$2,000 - $3,000
Sold
$4,300
Live Auction
Sacred Statues: Gothic to Baroque 14th-17th C
Description
This is an exquisite early Renaissance polychrome wood sculpture depicting Saint Martin of Tours on horseback, captured in the moment of his legendary act of charity. In a dynamic and expressive pose, Saint Martin turns gracefully to share his cloak, symbolizing compassion and selflessness, a defining moment in Christian iconography.
This piece is attributed to the French Lorraine School, a renowned artistic tradition that flourished in northeastern France during the late Gothic and early Renaissance periods. Lorraine artists were known for their expressive religious sculptures, seamlessly blending Gothic traditions with Renaissance humanism. The region's sculptors mastered naturalistic detailing, particularly in facial expressions, drapery, and anatomical realism, all of which are evident in this piece.
The French Lorraine School retained strong Gothic influences throughout the late 15th century, while gradually incorporating Renaissance realism and emotional expressiveness into the early 16th century. This sculpture likely dates to the late 15th or early 16th century (circa 1470-1520). Its stylistic elements reflect the artistic traditions of this period, particularly those seen in works by Lorraine sculptors influenced by early French Renaissance carving techniques and the expressive stone sculptures of Ligier Richier (circa 1500-1567).
Carved from wood with traces of original polychrome, the sculpture would have once been richly colored, enhancing its lifelike presence. The detailed rendering of Saint Martin's garments and the horse's dynamic posture is characteristic of Lorraine craftsmanship, while the subject matter reflects the region's deep devotion to saints and narrative-driven religious art.
Saint Martin of Tours (circa 316-397 AD) was a Roman soldier-turned-bishop, renowned for his charitable deeds and monastic reforms. His act of dividing his cloak to clothe a beggar-immortalized in Christian legend-became a powerful symbol of generosity, inspiring countless artistic interpretations. His legacy endures through Martinmas (November 11), a feast day celebrating his contributions to the Church and European religious life.
Approximate Dimensions: 34"L x 13"W x 45"H.
Artist: French (Lorraine) School
Issued: Circa 1500
Dimensions: See Description
Country of Origin: France
Provenance: John and Johanna Bass Collection, New York, NY; Bass Museum of Art, Miami Beach, FL, 1963.
This piece is attributed to the French Lorraine School, a renowned artistic tradition that flourished in northeastern France during the late Gothic and early Renaissance periods. Lorraine artists were known for their expressive religious sculptures, seamlessly blending Gothic traditions with Renaissance humanism. The region's sculptors mastered naturalistic detailing, particularly in facial expressions, drapery, and anatomical realism, all of which are evident in this piece.
The French Lorraine School retained strong Gothic influences throughout the late 15th century, while gradually incorporating Renaissance realism and emotional expressiveness into the early 16th century. This sculpture likely dates to the late 15th or early 16th century (circa 1470-1520). Its stylistic elements reflect the artistic traditions of this period, particularly those seen in works by Lorraine sculptors influenced by early French Renaissance carving techniques and the expressive stone sculptures of Ligier Richier (circa 1500-1567).
Carved from wood with traces of original polychrome, the sculpture would have once been richly colored, enhancing its lifelike presence. The detailed rendering of Saint Martin's garments and the horse's dynamic posture is characteristic of Lorraine craftsmanship, while the subject matter reflects the region's deep devotion to saints and narrative-driven religious art.
Saint Martin of Tours (circa 316-397 AD) was a Roman soldier-turned-bishop, renowned for his charitable deeds and monastic reforms. His act of dividing his cloak to clothe a beggar-immortalized in Christian legend-became a powerful symbol of generosity, inspiring countless artistic interpretations. His legacy endures through Martinmas (November 11), a feast day celebrating his contributions to the Church and European religious life.
Approximate Dimensions: 34"L x 13"W x 45"H.
Artist: French (Lorraine) School
Issued: Circa 1500
Dimensions: See Description
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. Right hand is missing. The horse is made of two pieces that need to be reattached. Loss of polychromy.