Column Statue of a King. Saint-Denis, ca. 1150-60. Materials; Limestone. Measurement; Overall: 45 7/8 x 9 1/4 x 9 1/8 in. (116.5 x 23.5 x 23.2 cm) Other (Column without king): 45 7/8 x diam. 5 1/2 in. (116.5 x diam. 14 cm) Other (weight) 115. lb (70.3 kg), Metropolitan Museum of Art; New York City.
COLUMN STATUE OF A KING
As indicated by information from the MET, this French statue of a national saint was found in the royal abbey at Saint-Denis, which was a burial site for French monarchs. His clothing, with elegant details like his long tassels and the curls in his hair and beard, are representative of the old testament kings of France, and his decorated crown and halo underline his royalty and saintly nature. These same details are also evidence of the new Gothic style of art in the area. Sculptures of these old testament kings were meant to signify the spiritual ancestors of French royalty.