Romanesque Marble Prophet Head South of France

Head sculpted in marble, circa 1150–1170, attributable to a southern Romanesque workshop (Languedoc–Provence). This Romanesque sculpture derives from an appliqué statue of a prophet depicted with a veiled head. The face is stylized, with orbits drilled by trepan for the insertion of stone or lead. The combed hairstyle and stepped beard link it to the works of Saint-Trophime in Arles and, even more closely, to the sculptures on the south portal of the Saint Gilles du Gard abbey—particularly the archangel statue on that portal. The treatment of the hair, eyes, and facial modelling is strikingly similar.

The Saint Gilles du Gard abbey was devastated by the Wars of Religion in the 16th century but still preserves numerous sculptures whose style reflects the influences of Provençal and Languedoc Romanesque art, which we also observe on our piece. The features are stylized, and chiaroscuro is favoured over a naturalistic model. Provenance: Collection of La Tour d’Auvergne. Iconographic references will be provided to the purchaser.