This limestone plaque depicts a man
facing right
on both sides. On one side, the man
wears a
garment with a simple rounded neckline
and a
skullcap. He has a delicately rendered
ear, a
frontal almond-shaped eye, elegant nose,
slightly smiling lips, and rounded
cheeks. The
image on the other side is more roughly
carved
and is oriented at a 90-degree angle to
the first
side. Only the left half of this figure
remains,
from just above his lips to the chest.
Although
traditionally called sculptors' models
or trial
pieces, some scholars have suggested
that these
objects were in fact ex-votos.
Otherwise, it is
believed that such works functioned as
aids for
apprentices to learn the art of
sculpting step by
step before embarking upon royal
commissions
where one mistake could mean disaster.
Similar
plaques were unearthed in what are
thought to
have been artist workshops, thus their
identification as models. It would be
unlikely
that a wall panel would have been carved
on both
sides. Today, these plaques give us
unique
insight into the creative process behind
some of
the most endearing and enduring artworks
ever
created by mankind.
- (X.0010)
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