Lot 421
FRENCH MEDIEVAL CARVED OAK PANEL, BEARING THE ARMS OF CHARLOTTE OF SAVOY, QUEEN OF FRANCE
15TH CENTURY
Auction: Five Centuries Day Two | Thurs 14th May | Lots 298 to 596
Description
previously the front panel of a chest, carved with four Gothic ogee arches, and centred by a coat of arms
Dimensions
46cm high, 90cm wide
Provenance
Private collection, Suffolk, United Kingdom
Tim Boyle, United Kingdom, acquired from the above
Footnote
Charlotte of Savoy (c.1441-1483) was the second wife of Louis XI and the Queen consort of France, known for her quiet and devout character in contrast to her husband’s complex and often secretive rule. Born a princess of the House of Savoy, she married Louis in 1451 and largely stayed out of political affairs, instead focusing on her religious life and family. Despite her limited direct influence on governance, Charlotte played an important role in securing the royal lineage, most notably as the mother of King Charles VIII of France. She endured personal hardships, including long separations from her husband and the loss of several children, yet remained respected for her piety and dignity within the royal court. She is buried in the Basilica of Notre Dame de Cléry, Cléry-St-André. This panel which bears her coat of arms, was once the front of a chest, part of the royal household and used to store textiles as well as other objects of value.