Southern Italy, 13th century Head of a Woman with two plaits and Head of a Man Pair of marble architectural elements Resting on a later metal base H. (female): 139 cm (54 ¾ in.) H. (man): 130 cm (51 ¼ in.) Dimensions (base): 40 x 40 cm (15 ¾ x 15 ¾ in.) A pair of carved marble architectural elements with Heads, Frederician, Southern Italy, 13th century The female head is similar to a crowned female head in marble from southern Italy, dated to around 1270 and now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (47.100.53a). A later work in the Musée de Cluny (CL11115) also features lead inlays in the eyes of the head of the Teaching Doctor, Bologna, circa 1340. The function of our heads remains unknown to this day. Were they solemn representations of the deceased, who might have been placed on or either side of a funerary monument? A similar marble head recently sold at Bonhams-Cornette de Saint Cyr on 8 April 2025, lot 4. *Information for buyers: Lot from outside the EU: The hammer price is exclusive of VAT. VAT at the reduced rate of 5.5% applies to the hammer price. This VAT is recoverable for French professionals. It is reimbursable for a buyer from outside the EU on presentation of proof of export from the EU or for a professional bidder providing proof of an intra-Community VAT number and a document proving delivery in the Member State. *Information to the buyers : Lot from outside the EU : The hammer price and premium will be VAT excluded. 5.5% VAT will be added to the hammer price and premium. Upon request, this VAT can be refunded to the purchaser on presentation of written proof of exportation outside EU, or to the EU purchaser who will submit his intracommunity VAT number and a proof of shipment to an EU country.