Continental (French and Spanish), last half of 14th century. Medieval ecclesiastic hand carved "Nottingham" alabaster figural sculpture with remnants of polychrome and gilt decoration, likely created from a Southern French workshop, depicting a male Cistercian monk. Man in traditional robes with hooded and wide sleeved cowl, hand to bearded chin expressing deep thought, wrinkled forehead and calm facial expression, coat of arms in front of chest for Aragon and Sicily. Unsigned. Overall supported on a later black rectangular plinth base. Overall (including stand) approximate height 8", width 4.75", depth 2.8". Provenance: Cistercian Cloister, Poblet, Tarragona, Spain (as noted by Edward R. Lubin, Inc.), Edward R. Lubin, Inc. Works of Art, 17 East 64th Street, New York, New York whereby acquired by the Estate of Dr. Woody Cobbs and Mrs. Honor Cobbs, Atlanta, Georgia in 1965. Copy of object description and image plate as well as original invoice from Edward R. Lubin, Inc. available upon request. Note: Lubin notes three references on his description that help date this work and compare the monastic sculpture to similar figures from The Myron C. Taylor Collection in New York and the Figdor Collection in Vienna.

Under blacklight examination, no apparent repairs. Bottom of alabaster drilled and mounted with screw for display. Allover with minor chips and abrasions commensurate with age - most notably to front of hood, these not overly obvious or distracting. Rough bottom surface of alabaster and carved divot to back indicate that this work was likely originally part of a larger composition. Gilt and polychrome losses commensurate with age.