One of a kind, antique, French, Joan of Arc Altar Panel. Read description

Description: One of a kind, antique, French, Joan of Arc Altar Panel. This is a rarity. Family Heirloom. a Treen Altar Panel.Approx, 18' X 28" X 1.9" Found in antigue shop in Long Island New York, in 1956 by my mother. I was there when she bought it. Appraised for conflicting values from $1375.00 from someone trying to get ofr cheap, to a suggested $40,000.00 (an art dealer who saw it in 1970.) An appraiser at Butterfields, during "free appraisal day," who saw it around 1989, immediatly said "13th Century Wood." Yet Joan of Arc, is of course from the 15th Century. Another opinion from a specialist in the Knights Templar studies, insisted it is a Knight Templar Chapel Altar Panel of Mary Magdalene from the 12th century and not Joan of Arc. Apparently French origin. A curator at the Louvre who I wrote to, thought it might be 18th Century, done in an earlier style, however that makes little sense considering the age of wood. Joan of Arc was not considered a Saint until a few centuries after her death--unless it was from either Domremy or a town that revered her early, before she was accepted as a saint. Must sell to a person who has a special interest, because I am starting at a substantial price.--much more then fair, considering it's such a beautiful rarity--whether it is Joan or the Magdalene--or some other Knight or Saint (doubtful) . Online Appraiser, Bruce Taylor, who says, "presumably Joan of Arc," dates the style of the "treen": "Third Period, c.1420-1460. In this period the altar-pieces are more and more characterized by uprights dividing the panels, the former rapidly becoming ornately decorated with small saints standing under canopied niches." If this is the case, then this means that the Altar Panel is extremely rare because Jeanne D'Arc was not commonly revered until centuries later. Another opinion, is that it is a Knights Templar Carving of Mary Magdalene which could make sense if the apparent dating of the Wood is correct. I am not a regular Ebay Seller--just a regular Ebay buyer, but I will make all efforts to answer questions to the best of my ability. My guess is that had resided in a Chapel or Cathedral that had had WW2 war damage and it was brought to the United States by a serviceman--just an educated guess. Or, if it is Templar related then who brought it to the United States could be really interesting. The Mystery is pretty deep. Looking closely at the face, you can almost see tears. I decided not to have a high reserve price but I know what it is worth to me---Instead I am starting bids at a substantial price. So please be kind. I am not a dealer of any kind. I really am not sure which opinion I've mentioned above, I most believe, but I have always felt it was Joan of Arc, I learned that the "experts" all differ. as to the age. so I have always leaned towards that guess, but the "Knights Templar"- Mary Magdalene idea is intriguing and in fact makes sense considering the supposed age of the wood--like the Butterfield guy who said it was from the 13th Century Maybe an expert aficionado who knows much more then I, will buy it. Condition is great, considering age. Missing toes of boot of one foot and part of sword hilt missing. Shield with cross in right upper corner appears to be missing, which can be seen. Wormholes. Beautiful Piece as pictured. My mother gave it to me years ago and I have had it at least 60 years. When I asked the louvre for help in identifying it, The director specialist sent me a xerox of an old book called Art of Joan of Arc. I could never find a specific artist for certain, but there are a few pieces I've seen that possibly could have been done by one of those artists. I would give this envelope to who ever buys this incredible and inspirational antique. I do not know what kind of wood it is. It is heavy and hard. Obviously an Altar Panel from an old Church/Cathedral, done by a great artist. Note: The item could use professional, expert, cleaning. The one photo shows the dust on it. I would not want to try to do the cleaning myself.

Price: 8000 USD

Location: Van Nuys, California

End Time: 2024-02-10T18:09:18.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD