-Flemish 1850 Carved Sculpture Triptych Of Emperor Charlemagne Enthroned

A carved triptych of emperor Charlemagne.

Beautiful triptych sculpture from Flemish origin made in the second quarter 19th Century, circa 1850. It was carefully carved with two ‘swinging doors which enable two different functions. When closed, the sculpture represents the crowned standing figure of the emperor Charlemagne, dressed in long ropes holding a globe and a scepter. When is open, it shows the emperor enthroned and crowned with the images of the imperial eagle. All this surrounded by people, as subjects, advisors, a cardinal standing, a knight and the figure of a crowned king kneeling and presenting his standard. The piece is exceptionally executed with fabulous intricate details.

Charlemagne

He was King of the Franks from 768, King of the Lombards from 774, and Emperor of the Carolingian Empire from 800, holding all these titles until his death in 814. Charlemagne succeeded in uniting the majority of Western Central Europe and was the first recognized emperor to rule in the west after the fall of the Western Roman Empire approximately three centuries earlier. Charlemagne's rule saw a program of political and social changes that had a lasting impact on Europe in the Middle Ages. In 800, Charlemagne was crowned as emperor in Rome by Pope Leo III. While historians' debate about the exact significance of the coronation, the title represented the height of the prestige and authority he had achieved. Charlemagne's position as the first emperor in the West in over 300 years brought him into conflict with the contemporary Eastern Roman Empire based in Constantinople. Through his assumption of the imperial title, he is considered the forerunner of the line of Holy Roman Emperors that lasted into the nineteenth century. As king and emperor, Charlemagne engaged in a number of reforms in administration, law, education, military organization, and religion which shaped Europe for centuries. The stability of his reign saw the beginning of a period of significant cultural activity known as the Carolingian Renaissance. 

Charlemagne's profound impact on the Middle Ages, and the influence on the vast territory he ruled has led him to be called the "Father of Europe". He is seen as a folk hero and founding figure by many European states, and a number of historical royal houses of Europe trace their lineage back to him. Charlemagne has been the subject of artworks like this piece, monuments and literature, during and after the medieval period, and has received veneration in the Catholic Church.

 Triptych

This is a work of art (usually a panel painting) that is divided into three sections, or three carved panels that are hinged together and can be folded shut or displayed open. It is therefore a type of polyptych, the term for all multi-panel works. The middle panel is typically the largest and it is flanked by two smaller related works, although there are triptychs of equal-sized panels. The triptych form appears in early Christian art and was a popular standard format for altar paintings from the Middle Ages onwards. Its geographical range was from the eastern Byzantine churches to the Celtic churches in the west. During the Byzantine period, triptychs were often used for private devotional use, along with other relics such as icons. Renaissance painters such as Hans Memling and Hieronymus Bosch used the form. Sculptors also used it. Triptych forms also allow ease of transport.

Note: This sculpture is an antique piece of art with around 175 years old.

Weight: 223.65 Grams.

Measurements: 154 mm by 91.5 mm by 48 mm (6.07 x 3.61 x 1.89 Inches).

Condition: The overall condition of this Triptych is very good. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage, and all parts are secured in the settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and the authenticity.

INVENTORY REF: D041324XONM/.6723