Polychromed oak bust of the Virgin, France late 13th century

A polychromed oak bust of the Virgin.

French, late 13th century.

Measures 33.5 x 26 x 16.5cm.

The head is surmounted by a crown placed on a short veil covering wavy hair. Her head slightly inclined, her face with almond shaped eyes and her pursed lips smiling. She wears a dress beneath an open gown, there are extensive traces of original gilding and polychrome with later retouching.

This beautiful sculpture was to constitute the upper part of a Virgin and Child. It can be compared with a seated Virgin in carved oak in the collection of the Schnütgen Museum (Cologne) which is catalogued as Paris, around c.1270 (see last two images).