Autumn

This stone figure representing Autumn is made by an unknown sculptor in France in the second quarter of the 16th century.

The figure, together with V&A mus. no. A.22-1959, represent Autumn and Winter and appear to have formed part of a set of four personifications of the Seasons. They were presumably set in niches and their condition suggests that these were indoors.

The quality of the carving is high, and in view of the eclecticism of the style - the quasi-Gothic treatment of the head of Autumn is in marked contrast with the advanced classicism of the pose - it is likely that these figures originate not from a provincial centre but from a court workshop. Considering the widespread destruction of the buildings of Paris in the second half of the 19th century, it is possible that these figures may have decorated a hotel in the capital, now obliterated.