France, c.1180-1200 AD. A carved limestone head of a youthful male with hair swept back from the face behind the ears and down the temples, arched brow with deep-set eyes, small triangular nose, small pursed mouth; mounted on a old ctom-made stand with old label 'Annexe No 621' to verso. 1.16 kg total, 18.5cm high including stand (7 1/4"). Collection Altounian-Roset, c.1930s. Ex central London gallery. Stylistically the sculpture shares some features with the St. Etace Head Reliquary, although lacking the finesse and grand vision of that work. The detailed treatment of the hair and the slightly dejected expression is shared by both pieces. The more naïve style of the present piece suggests that it was probably intended as part of a large assemblage such as the ornament of a portal. [No Reserve]