The McCarthy Collection: Sculpture

The McCarthy collection of medieval European sculpture is a remarkable collection of over 150 specimens, produced over a period of nearly 600 years. It focuses on Romanesque art, with over fifty capitals and other architectural carvings from Iberia, France, and the Italian Peninsula. The collection also includes notable monuments like the monastic powerhouse of Cluny and the abbatial churches of Autun and Savigny. The transition to the Gothic style and the period of its splendour are witnessed by an ample selection of statuary and architectural fragments. Freestanding sculpture in stone or wood, including a small but precious nucleus of Virgin and Child statuary and some Spanish polychrome figures, constitutes an interesting subset of the collections late medieval holdings. Entries aim to provide detailed stylistic, iconographic, and contextual analyses, with special attention paid to comparanda in public and other private collections. This catalogue is part of an ambitious project to document the entirety of Robert McCarthys holdings, which also include notable selections of medieval ivories, stained glass, and East Christian Art.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2023
Publisher: Paul Holberton Publishing Ltd

The McCarthy collection is a remarkable compilation of medieval European sculpture, encompassing over 150 specimens crafted across a span of nearly 600 years. Robert McCarthy's profound fascination with the art and culture of the Middle Ages has resulted in a collection that stands as a significant contribution to medieval scholarship. With its comprehensive geographical, chronological, and typological range, the collection ranks among the most remarkable in private hands.

The collection begins with a few early examples from Merovingian France, Anglo-Saxon England, and Visigothic Spain, providing a glimpse into the artistic developments of the early medieval period. However, its primary focus lies in Romanesque art, with an extensive collection of capitals and architectural carvings from Iberia, France, and the Italian Peninsula. Notable workshops such as Gislebertus, the Master of Aguero, and Compostelas Master Mateo are represented, while many pieces can be closely linked to anonymous works found in major and provincial sites.

Among the noteworthy monuments showcased in the collection are the monastic powerhouse of Cluny and the abbatial churches of Autun and Savigny, which are represented through important sculptural fragments that have been published here for the first time. The transition to the Gothic style and the period of its splendor, particularly in France, are evident through a diverse selection of statuary and architectural fragments. Some of these pieces can be traced back to notable buildings like Noyon cathedral and Paris Notre Dame, while others are associated with the artistic circles that surrounded the great projects of the age.

Freestanding sculpture in stone or wood, including a small but precious nucleus of Virgin and Child statuary and some Spanish polychrome figures, adds an interesting sub-section to the collection. The meticulous attention to detail, rich ornamentation, and expressive forms of these sculptures provide a deeper understanding of the artistic achievements of the medieval period.

The McCarthy collection is a testament to Robert McCarthy's dedication and expertise in the field of medieval art. Its extensive holdings and comprehensive research make it a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts alike, shedding light on the rich artistic heritage of the Middle Ages.

Weight: 2170g
Dimension: 307 x 251 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781915401052