Limestone Head of Joseph

Unknown

ca. 1230 · Limestone with traces of polychromy · Medieval Art

This engaging head can be linked to the decoration of the celebrated choir screen of the cathedral at Chartres. The stone screen, erected about 1230 and dismantled in 1763, originally stood at the choir entrance, separating the clergy from the congregation. It was decorated with narrative scenes of the early life of Jesus. This head belongs to the figure of Joseph, the carpenter and spouse of Mary, in the Nativity relief.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1230

Medium

Limestone with traces of polychromy

Culture

French

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Purchase, Scher Chemicals Inc. and Audrey Love Charitable Foundation Gifts; Anonymous Gift, in honor of Charles T. Little; William and Toni Conte and Stephen K. Scher Gifts; and funds from various donors, 2007