A highly decorative pair of French carved limestone classical figures with traces of original polychrome, probably from Burgundy. Later parcel-gilt. These possibly depict two of the Greek muses Euturpe (lyric poetry) and Urania (astronomy)and became victim to 16th century iconoclasm.
Details
Because it is naturally workable yet weathers beautifully, Burgundy limestone is the foundational medium for monumental French Romanesque and Gothic sculpture. Master carvers utilized local stone for intricate column capitals, reliefs, and portal figures at sites like the UNESCO-listed Vézelay Basilica. The Burgundian School of sculpture flourished during the 14th and 15th centuries under the Valois Dukes, producing masterworks such as the Virgin and Child seen in the New York MET and historic pieces and architectural fragments from Burgundy can be seen in artistic institutions globally.
Provenance: Ex Finch & Co 2003
Private London Collection
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