Artwork Page for Head of a Woman

Details / Information for Head of a Woman

Head of a Woman

c. 1500–1525

circle of Michel Colombe

(French, c. 1430–c. 1513)
Culture
France, 15th century
Medium
marble
Measurements
Overall: 14.6 x 14.6 x 9.3 cm (5 3/4 x 5 3/4 x 3 11/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of William G. Mather 1921.1004
Public Domain
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Location
110B Late Gothic
Print

Description

The original context and function of these two marble heads are unknown. They are presumed to have been part of a relief sculpture from a château, perhaps in the Loire region, or else from a tomb sculpture. Their style is reminiscent of sculptures produced by Michel Colombe, a prominent sculptor active in the Loire Valley in the service of aristocratic and royal patrons, and may have been carved by a close follower or member of his workshop.
A white marble sculpture depicts a woman's head carved with smoothed features, fragmented at the neck. She looks directly forward with a straight nose, narrow lips pressed together, and eyes solely outlined without further detail. Wavy hair peeks out from beneath a thick, banded headdress featuring a textured circular ornament centered above her forehead. The polished stone is white, with subtle shadows defining the rounded contours of her face.

Head of a Woman

c. 1500–1525

Michel Colombe

(French, c. 1430–c. 1513)
France, 15th century

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