by Anne Doridou-Heim
Southern Netherlands, Bruges?, second quarter of the 15th century. Saint Michael in alabaster, with traces of gilding and polychromy, h. 60 cm/23.6 in. Result: €39,998
The imposing head of a French king or high priest, carved in limestone from the Ile-de-France in the second third of the 12th century, had previously featured on the cover of the Gazette . It was bought for €36,570: a result within the range of the estimate. But it did not reveal its final secrets, because though its material (analyzed by a geologist) provided some information, it is still not clear if it was designed to adorn one of the abbey of Saint-Denis buildings. The situation was slightly different with the Portrait of Anne de Béthune (1548-1607), wife of Ferry de Choiseul, Lord of Praslin. Click to read more.com/en/sold/furniture--26-art-objects--3A-guardianship-of-mrs-d-/122054