-
Attack on the Castle of Love
unknown - Enlarge image
Attack on the Castle of Love
- Object:
Mirror back
- Place of origin:
France (made)
Paris, France (possibly, made) - Date:
ca. 1330-1350 (made)
- Artist/Maker:
unknown (production)
- Materials and Techniques:
Carved ivory
- Credit Line:
Salting Bequest
- Museum number:
A.561-1910
- Gallery location:
Sculpture, room 111, case DR8
During the 14th century specialist ivory craftsmen carved both secular and religious objects in great numbers. Although Paris was the main centre of production, other workshops emerged in Italy and Germany. Some of the craftsmen may have been trained in Paris as their work often combines French and local styles. They produced mirror-cases, combs and gravoirs (hair parters), often selling them as sets in leather dressing cases. Subjects from romance literature appeared frequently, as did the allegorical Siege of the Castle of Love.
Ivory combs, together with mirror cases and gravoirs for parting the hair, formed an essential part of the trousse de toilette or étui (dressing case) of the typical wealthy lady or gentleman in the Gothic period.
