MEDIEVAL SCULPTOR, French
(active mid 13th century)

Supporting figure from the base of a niche

c. 1250
Stone
Cathedral, Amiens

The picture illustrates a medieval form of the caryatid (a supporting figure of either sex). The subject recurs in all ages, as the caryatid allows the sculptor to express the burden of humanity as he sees it. In this case the burden is carried by a round-shouldered and impoverished peasant.