XIV Th C. Limestone Head Of A Monk With Polychromy

Fine head of a monk carved in limestone, with extensive and rare remnants of medieval polychromy.

Eyes in half-almond shape, chubby and cheerful face, the hair carved in packets, and generally a sharp and confident chisel indicate a French work of the first half of the fourteenth century.

If the tonsure indicate a monk, the subject's identity remains unknown : it could be a saint, who are often represented in this way in French medieval sculpture, or maybe an anonymous donor or a simple figure in a larger scene. The back not fully carved, showing the statue was shown facing. Visible lacks and accidents, especially to the nose.

Very important remains of polychromy, of which a significant portion is probably original. There are several layers of different colors. The top layer is a engoba conserved here and there in small plates.