A Rare Sculpture of Saint Denis
A Rare Sculpture of Saint Denis
Period 14th century
Origin France
Medium Oak
Dimension 89 cm (35⁰/₁ inches)
Carved in high relief, the decapitated bishop holding his head to his chest, raised upon a canted pedestal
Dark colour with a rich patina
Oak
France
14th Century
Size: 89cm high - 35 ins high
Provenance:
Ex Private collection
Ex Private UK collection
Period: 14th century
Origin: France
Medium: Oak
Dimension: 89 cm (35⁰/₁ inches)
Provenance: Ex Private collection
Ex Private UK collection
Literature: Denis of Paris, a Christian martyr and saint, was appointed bishop of Paris (then Lutetia) in the third century. He was subsequently martyred for his faith by decapitation. The renowned statue of St Denis, situated to the left portal of Notre Dame de Paris, commemorates his life. The first chapel constructed in his honour is situated at the site of his burial in Saint-Denis. This chapel was subsequently expanded into an Abbey and Basilica of Saint-Denis.
A further late Gothic statue of Saint Denis, carved in limestone, can be found in the Musée de Cluny.
Finch & Co
Antiquities, ethnographica, natural history, sculpture and works of art
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