Head of a Prophet in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, June 2010

Head of a Prophet
about 1300
Unidentified artist, Strasbourg

Object Place: Strasbourg

Dimensions: 36.5 x 23.5 x 25.4 cm (14 3/8 x 9 1/4 x 10 in.)

Material: Sandstone

Classification: Sculpture
Type: Figure

Accession Number: 56.506

Not on view

This deeply expressive head may come from the majestic Gothic cathedral in Strasbourg. Like many other churches, this cathedral was vandalized during the French Revolution, and sculptures were removed, destroyed, or decapitated. The pointed cap and the slightly open mouth indicate that the head represents a prophet, speaking his message. The face is sensitively carved, with furrowed brow, sunken cheeks, and pensive eyes conveying a strong personality.

Text from: www.mfa.org/collections/object/head-of-a-prophet-258584