lire le livre A Thirteenth-Century French Ivory of the Virgin and Child

Since its publication in Raymond Koechlin's historic catalogue of Gothic ivories of 1924, the 13th-century Virgin and Child Enthroned - previously in the eminent Martin Le Roy collection - has been regarded as one of the most important French Gothic ivories ever to have been made, famed for its size, delicacy and remarkable condition. Held for so long in a private collection, however, and known only through a few rather poor photographs, the ivory became regarded by many as dubious (especially as the head of the Christ Child has been separated at one time, and then re-attached), and it was not until its appearance at auction in 2011, and subsequent examination and restoration, that this work could once again be recognized at its true value. This book presents not only the results of the technical treatment of the ivory but also studies its provenance - the evidence points to its being removed during the Revolution from the church of St-Michel de Frigolet near Avignon. It demonstrates the authenticity of the Christ Child's head. The ivory is notable also for the unusually numerous traces of polychromy that remain. Lastly the book compares this to other ivories and discusses its subject matter and precise dating.