Head of a Bishop, France 16th century

Disintegrating bishop: one of these sculptures where time and the elements have given a new dimension to the work of the sculptor. His mitre is so weathered that it starts to look like a pile of smoke evaporating from the bishop’s head… Although not quite the same, it does make one think of Francis Bacon’s ‘Study after Velazquez’s Portrait of Pope Innocent X’ in which the sacred gets an almost diabolical connotation. Strong and unique sculpture. Probably north of France, 16th century. The wood is so dry that it has lost its weight and becomes hard to define what sort it is. But judging by the colour, the grain and the gorgeous dark and shiny patination: could it be chestnut?
On a contemporary metal stand. Dimensions (without stand): 32x11x12cm.