Cast bronze
Presumably France, circa 1450-1480
Inscribed ‘S. Eloy’ on the front of the base
Reverse with inscription ‘DONNÉ PAR IEAN FOVQVET 1684‘; marked with ‘1640’ on the underside
Figure of St. Eligius, Bishop of Noyon
Overall height: 13.5 cm
Good condition

As the inscription says (in the Latin writing of the 15th century) at the base, the figure depicts Saint Eligius (died in 659), the goldsmith at the Frankish court and later Bishop of Noyon. The saint of the goldsmiths is depicted with a tool of his handicraft at his feet. He wears a bishop's robe and a miter on his head. In his left hand, he holds the crosier. Originally, he held another lost attribute in his right hand.

The inscription on the back ‘DONNÉ PAR IEAN FOVQVET 1684’ [Donated by Jean Fouquet 1684] is probably more recent than the font on the base, since it does not meet the writing style and at the same time is different from the style of the saint. Whether the name Jean Fouquet corresponds to the well-known French painter (around 1420-1478 and 1481), cannot be clarified. However, as to the figurative type of the bronze, it is likely to originate from his lifetime.



Condition

The bronze is in good condition, showing slight wear due to age. The total height is 13.5 cm. (cko)

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