Keystone (bouquets of trefoil leaves), Cl. 18929

Keystone (bouquets of trefoil leaves), Cl. 18929 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Circular stone boss decorated with trefoil leaves. Front view.

Keystone (bouquets of trefoil leaves), Cl. 18929 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Stone sculpture: detail of trefoil leaf decoration. Front view.

Keystone (bouquets of trefoil leaves), Cl. 18929 (detail) © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Keystone (bouquets of trefoil leaves)

From the abbey church of Saint-Denis

Description

On display - room 9

13th century

High Middle Ages

This keystone adorned with vegetal or foliate mask motifs can be stylistically compared to the nave of the abbey church of Saint-Denis, erected in several stages during the 13th century. It is circular and was taken off the ribs that attached it to the vault. 

Its decor is made up of trefoil leaves that are no longer fully stylised, but which are not yet as natural as those in the contemporary building sites of Pierre de Montreuil at Saint-Germain-des-Prés Abbey.

Taking on a triangular shape, the central leaves are arranged in a geometric pattern within a circle formed by a peripheral corolla of clusters of secondary leaves. The twelve leave blades spread out in this way form a delicate half-sphere-shaped veil of stone, interrupted by the deeply buried openwork deeply undercut between the stems. 

This virtuoso work, which skilfully plays on effects of shadow and light as contrasts between the empty spaces and solid parts, was originally complemented by bright polychromy, of which only traces remain. The lush and expertly arranged vegetation that flourishes on this key and on the capitals of the triforium was bathed in the intense light that flooded through the vast Rayonnant art windows.

From one artwork to another

Sculpted and fragmented head depicting a man with curly beard wearing a hat. Front-facing stone sculpture.

Head of the king of Judah No. 6, Notre-Dame de Paris, Cl. 22988 © GrandPalaisRmn / René-Gabriel Ojeda

Heads of the kings of Judah

First half of the 13th century

Recently read content

Printed book page adorned with a historical scene framed by text. Front view.

Ship of Fools, Cl. 23921 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Ship of Fools

15th century

Metal object with two engraved panels: one depicting a woman holding a lit candle, and the other a woman with a sword. Front view.

Sibyls, portable diptych for private devotion, Cl. 23986 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Sibyls

Circa 1500-1510

Gilded metalwork piece adorned with engraved patterns and crystal beads. Front view.

Phylactery reliquary from the collegiate church of Notre-Dame de Termonde, Cl. 13073 © GrandPalaisRmn / Franck Raux

Phylactery reliquary

13th century