Canopy from the tomb of Philip III (the Bold) of France (1245-1285) 1297 - 1307

Curator: Good morning, I’d like to draw your attention to this extraordinary piece of medieval art, the canopy and head which once formed part of the tomb of Philip III, the Bold, of France. It was sculpted in marble, between 1297 and 1307. Editor: Wow. It’s really beautiful— but deeply unsettling too, isn't it? The way that sculpted head just sits there, separate from the rest... almost like a discarded memory. Curator: The head is an exquisite example of late 13th-century portraiture. Note the serene expression and the subtle detailing around the face. We can discuss the use of marble, as it gives a smoothness that really allows the sculptors skill to shine. It also provides a wonderful contrast against the fragmented architectural canopy. Editor: The contrast works wonderfully, a ghostly relic hovering behind the cold, regal stillness. It makes you think about impermanence, how even kings crumble into fragments. It’s heavy too—the sheer density of the marble makes me wonder what the experience of those carving it must have been. Curator: The Gothic architectural elements of the canopy itself showcase remarkable technical mastery. We could interpret the arches and vegetal ornamentation as expressions of royal power and piety. The fractured state, of course, changes how we view it, giving it a quality that transcends those original meanings. Editor: Right. It becomes about so much more, maybe about history’s awkward dance with eternity, or perhaps about power exposed as fragile vanity? You see it wasn't meant to stand like this. Ripped from the whole, presented anew, forcing a totally unique dialogue. Curator: Indeed, the fragmented nature adds layers of complexity. Editor: Yes. The presentation, isolated on a stark backdrop, heightens the piece's capacity to emotionally engage viewers, sparking introspective responses about power, history, and personal reflection. Curator: A fitting end. Editor: Quite.