A Fine Example of Continental Ecclesiastical Iconoclasm

This exceptionally rare and characterful wooden fragment is a powerful testament to the turbulent religious and political history of France. Dating to the Late 17th or Early 18th Century (c. 1680–1730), this beautifully carved putto head likely formed part of the interior liturgical decoration of the historic Notre-Dame Cathedral in Rouen, Normandy.

The piece embodies the exuberant spirit of the Baroque period, rendered in fine, deep relief.

The Carving: The fragment depicts the head of a putto (cherub), meticulously carved in the round before being attached to a larger piece of architecture, such as an organ case, a choir stall canopy, or a retable (altarpiece). The carving captures the classical Baroque style, with puffy cheeks, deeply set eyes, and a mass of tightly curled, voluminous hair. The face exudes a spiritual, cherubic intensity typical of the period's religious sculpture.

Material & Condition (Patina): Carved from a dense, medium-hardwood (likely oak), the fragment has a profoundly evocative, untreated surface. The original polychromy (paint and gilding) has long since been lost, leaving a deep, dark, and desiccated patina, with visible commensurate age separations (cracks and splits) that speak to centuries of exposure and neglect after its removal. This raw, sculptural quality is highly prized by collectors of architectural fragments.

Provenance & Historical Context

While no direct documentation of the carving exists, its style, date, and condition point strongly to one of the most significant periods of destruction at a major French cathedral:

The French Revolution (c. 1792–1795): The physical state of the fragment—forcibly broken from a larger element and stripped of its ornamentation—is perfectly consistent with the widespread anti-clerical iconoclasm of the revolutionary era. The former Cathedral of Rouen was secularized and temporarily transformed into a "Temple of Reason." During this upheaval, wooden fixtures, fittings, and statuary were often hastily destroyed, sold, or broken up, leaving fragments like this to be preserved outside the official records.

This fragment is not merely a decorative piece; it is a historical relic—a powerful, tangible survival of a moment of profound political and religious transformation in France. It offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of the physical fabric of a European masterpiece, now recognised as one of the most celebrated Gothic cathedrals in the world.

Condition Report

Condition is entirely commensurate with its 17th/18th-century date and history of being forcibly removed/salvaged.

The piece retains a deep, dark, natural patina of the raw wood. No trace of original paint or gilding remains.

Numerous, stable age separations (splits and checking) run along the wood grain, most notably through the face and head. These are typical of antique wood and do not compromise the structural stability.

Measurement

Height:       56 cm   /      22 inches

Width:        20 cm   /      7.9 inches

Depth:        20 cm   /     7.9 inches

Weight:      3.6 k.g   /     7.9 lbs