Collectible Medieval Sculpture
Ekinium Gallery is an art gallery specializing in European medieval sculpture, with Romanesque and Gothic sculpture at the heart of its collection.
Our selection favors works chosen for their artistic quality, historical significance, rarity and the emotion they inspire.
Each sculpture presented by the gallery is the subject of an in-depth comparative study. Attribution, dating, geographical origin, iconography, material, provenance and artistic context are researched through specialist literature, public collections and comparison with reference works.
Our approach thus combines the eye of the art dealer, art-historical research and a consistently high standard in the selection of works.
Study before offering
The study of artworks lies at the heart of Ekinium’s approach.
Each sculpture is studied in detail: style, technique, material, condition, tool marks, possible traces of polychromy and historical alterations. These observations are then compared with a corpus of reference works.
These observations make it possible to propose an attribution, dating and geographical origin based on a coherent body of evidence rather than on a single comparison.
Where relevant, provenance, former collections, publications and restoration history are also documented.
In-depth comparative research
A medieval work of art can only be fully understood when it is placed within its artistic context.
Our studies compare the sculptures presented by Ekinium with a corpus of related works: sculptures preserved in museums and public collections, monumental ensembles, works from churches and institutions, reference publications and documented pieces from the art market.
These comparisons concern both the overall composition and precise details: facial type, morphology, iconography, drapery, anatomical treatment, sculptural technique and regional characteristics.
This comparative method helps explain the basis for an attribution and dating, while also identifying what distinguishes each work within its corpus.
Documented studies for each work
Each work presented by Ekinium Gallery is accompanied by a detailed study intended to make the research carried out on it accessible.
This documentation includes a detailed description, iconographic and stylistic analysis, geographical and historical context, a comparative corpus, known provenance, specialist bibliography, and photographic documentation of the work and its principal comparanda.
We attach particular importance to the transparency of our reasoning: an attribution or dating should not simply be stated, but supported by the elements that make it possible to understand and assess it.
This research also provides documentation intended to accompany the work over the long term within a collection.
Expertise and additional analysis
Stylistic study is an essential step, but some works require further investigation.
When the nature or importance of a work justifies it, our research may be compared with the opinions of art historians, curators or specialists in a particular artistic centre or period.
Scientific analyses carried out by independent laboratories may also complement the study where appropriate: material identification, polychromy examination, physico-chemical analysis or dating methods suited to the nature of the work.
The aim is to bring together the information needed to achieve the most accurate possible understanding of each object.
A selection guided by quality and emotion
Research, however, is only one part of our approach.
Ekinium does not seek to build an exhaustive catalogue of ancient works of art. We favor a carefully selected group of works with a genuine sculptural presence.
A sculpture may capture our attention through the strength of a Romanesque face, the elegance of a Gothic Virgin, the monumentality of an architectural fragment, the quality of its carving, or simply through that difficult-to-define ability of certain ancient works to establish an immediate dialogue with the viewer.
Quality, rarity and historical significance are essential; emotion remains our primary motivation.
Romanesque and Gothic art at the heart of the gallery
Romanesque and Gothic sculpture form the core of Ekinium Gallery’s activity and research.
Our selection includes, in particular, Virgins and Child, figures of Christ, saints, reliefs, historiated capitals, corbels, friezes and other works of medieval architectural sculpture from the various artistic centres of medieval Europe.
Particular attention is given to works with a strong regional identity, remarkable iconography or the potential for meaningful comparison with ensembles preserved in museums, religious buildings and public collections.
Complementary fields
Earlier or later works may also enter the gallery’s selection when they correspond to our eye and our standards of quality.
Ancient art therefore forms a complementary field, principally around Greek, Roman and Celtic sculpture and the ancient cultures of Europe.
More occasionally, Ekinium also presents selected Old Master works when they have a natural connection with our artistic world or stand out for their historical and aesthetic interest.
Supporting collectors and institutions
Ekinium supports private collectors and institutions in the acquisition and study of medieval sculpture.
We can also carry out targeted searches for collectors looking for a particular work, period, artistic centre or iconography.
Owners wishing to have a work studied or offered for sale may also submit it to us. When it falls within the gallery’s field and criteria, we may consider acquiring it or assisting with its placement on the art market.
Our relationship with collectors is based on availability, trust, confidentiality and the sharing of all documentary information in our possession concerning the work.
Online gallery and by appointment
Ekinium Gallery presents its works primarily online, allowing collectors, researchers and institutions to freely consult their documentation and photographs.
Appointments can be arranged in Europe for the examination of a work, an acquisition or the presentation of a sculpture.
Discover our selection of Romanesque sculpture, Gothic art and European medieval sculpture, together with selected works from complementary fields.
Every work has its own history. Our role is to research it, document it and pass it on.
Browse works of art by period