The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of June 8, 2023

Comb

1400s

France, Gothic period, 15th century

Boxwood

Overall: 11.5 x 16.1 cm (4 1/2 x 6 5/16 in.)

Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1951.452

Location

106C Medieval Treasury

Fun Fact

Boxwood is a light-colored wood which is very hard, close-grained, and fine-textured, allowing the carver to do very fine delicate work.

Description

This luxury object is masterfully fashioned from a single piece of wood. The openwork carving is intended to resemble Gothic windows. The inscription reads, "mon ♥️ aves" on one side and "pour bien" on the other, translated to "you have my heart in your possession."

Inscriptions

Inscription

mon ♥️ aves pour bien

Inscription Translation

You have my heart in your possession.

Inscription Remark

inscription in center panel starts on one side and continues on the other

Provenance
(Vladimir G. Simkhovitch, New York).
Source URL: https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1951.452