Head of a Bearded Man

Unknown

ca. 1160–70 · Limestone · Medieval Art

This finely carved head comes from the lintel of the north transept portal (Porte des Valois) of the abbey church, which depicted the martyrdom of Saint Denis, France's patron saint. Although the portal was carved 1160-70, it was erected in its present location in the thirteenth century. Parts of it were damaged in the wake of the French Revolution. The close stylistic resemblance to the column figure from the cloister (displayed nearby) suggests that both were products of the same workshop.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1160–70

Medium

Limestone

Culture

French

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Purchase, Rogers Fund, Mr. and Mrs. Ronald R. Atkins and Levy Hermanos Foundation Inc. Gifts, and funds from various donors, 1999