Gothic marble column, Central Italy 13th century

Important twisted column in white marble. A helical band chiseled by two lateral bands alternates with a spiral of fleurons. This column most likely comes from a cloister or a portal and finds its parallels in central Italy. This magnificence is indeed present in Tuscany, Lazio and Umbria in the 13th and 14th centuries. Our column is distinguished, however, from the works of the 14th century by a more rectilinear profile and an increased sobriety in its floral motifs, thus contrasting with the opulence of the columns of the portal of the cathedral of Orvieto (14th century). These characteristics allow us to date this work to the last third of the 13th century.

Exceptional in its size, quality of execution and state of preservation, this sculpture is a rare example outside of the examples in place on Gothic buildings. Some superficial wear, partially restored base and small restoration at the top of a spiral.
Provenance: collection of Mr. Jacques Pouillon (1935-2011), Charles Ede Gallery London, Masterpiece London 2015, Tefaf New York 2017.