Limestone sculpture of Saint Scholastica - FranceBourbon, 15th century

A limestone sculpture of a female Saint, possibly Scholastica.

French, Bourbon, first third of the 15th century.

Measures 63.5 cm high.

The saint holds an open book in her right hand and turns several pages with her left, her face has youthful features and almond shaped eyes. Her head is framed by a wimple secured by exposed pins to the top and sides. She wears a cloak covering the habit of a Nun, her gown secured by a thin belt that hangs from her waist.

The red colour of her cloak most likely dates to a later period as it does not correspond to the clothing of a nun. The suit and veil were most certainly entirely black as shown by the remains of polychromy which is still visible.

Scholastica (c.?480 – 10 February AD 543) is a Saint of the Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Churches and the Anglican Communion. She was born in Italy, and a ninth-century tradition makes her the twin sister of Saint Benedict of Nursia. Her feast day is 10 February, Saint Scholastica's Day. Scholastica is traditionally regarded as the founder of the Benedictine nuns.