Sculpture of an Enthroned King

Unknown

ca. 1230–35 · Limestone · Medieval Art

Portraying a historical king, such as Solomon, or an allegorical image of the monarch as “the living law” (lex animata), this imposing sculpture must have originated from an important northern Italian civic monument. It is a rare surviving example of the image of a ruler from a civic setting, such as a court of justice or a city gate, and is stylistically related to the work of the influential northern Italian sculptor Benedetto Antelami (act. ca. 1175–1215). It also shows an understanding of French models, especially with respect to the facial features and the thin drapery folds of the mantle.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1230–35

Medium

Limestone

Culture

North Italian

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Mrs. Stephen V. Harkness Fund, 1922