$15,000
French, likely Middle Rhone Valley, 12th century. Very rare and very fine hand carved limestone figural Romanesque figural ecclesiastic sculpture fragment likely depicting Saint John Mourning at the Cross. Figure with short curled hair, tilted head with sad and mournful facial expression, hand supporting chin and cheek, other hand at hip or waist level holding bible, scattered remnants of gilt and polychrome throughout. Overall (on later stand) approximate height 13.6", width 8", depth 5.5". Sculpture approximate height 11.125", width 5.6", depth 5.125". Provenance: Louis Stanton, 16th and 17th Century Furniture, Unusual Decorative Items in London, England whereby acquired in December of 1983 by Dr. Woody and Mrs. Honor Cobbs, Atlanta, Georgia. Note: Mr. Stanton supplied the Cobbs with a copy of a letter from Neil Stratford, Keeper of Medieval and Later Antiquities at The British Museum in London, England in June 1980 where the specialist Stratford states his opinion of the work including 12th century age, likely geographic location and its fine quality. Copy of letter of correspondence between Stanton and Stratford in 1980 and invoice from Louis Stanton, London available upon request.
Auctioneer:
Ahlers & Ogletree Auction Gallery
Date:
2016-04-30
