This wooden, polychrome bust, in the collection of the Louvre, was previously attributed to the circle of Desiderio da Settignano, and formerly known only as la Belle Florentine from the place of its creation. But a restoration undertaken in 2005/2006 revealed a missing inscription which restored the work's identity. Though damaged and fragmentary, the inscription undoubtedly signifies that the figure represents Saint Constance, virgin and martyr, and apparently a companion of Saint Ursula. (Though the Louvre's history of the saint seems much more than a bit confused.)
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| Linden with traces of polychrome gold, plant fiber, gesso, poplar - height: 0.5 m / 21.6 in; width: 0.4 m / 18.5 in; depth: 0.2 m / 10.6 in; weight: 7.9 kg / 17.42 lbs. |
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Inscription painted on the belt: [DO]ROTHEI REGIS CO[N]STA[N]TI[N] OPO[LITANI] - back; [SANCTA CON]STA[NTIA FIL]IA - front |
Flavia Valeria Constantina was the eldest daughter of Roman emperor Constantine the Great, but during the Middle Ages she developed a legend, the origins of which are unclear. And her story is told in the Golden Legend - a collection of one hundred and fifty-three biographies of the saints, the work of Jacobus de Voragine - a story wildly at variance with what is known of the historical figure's actual character.
I know you don't get lots of engagement in comments, but many people, myself included, come often for your posts. I do hope you enjoy posting as much as we enjoy reading.
ReplyDeleteWhat a very lovely thing to say. Thank you so much. I - do - enjoy creating these posts, finding and sharing all manner of things that I find personally interesting and appealing. I used to believe that my specific tastes were very - very - much out of sync with those of others. But sharing what I share here has been quite validating, made me feel so much less an outlier, less alone. Because I really do get a fair amount of engagement. It varies a lot, of course, depending on the subject matter of the posts. But I'd keep posting even if I received no response at all, because I find the whole thing such a satisfying outlet. But then I'm aways rather thrilled when someone checks in, has something lovely to say - as you did - or has something to add to the conversation. I feel very encouraged and blessed by the connection.
DeleteThank you, again.
incredibly gorgeous
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