"Medieval Bas Relief In Carved Stone"
Medieval bas-relief in sculpted stone honoring the counts of Toulouse (Tholos) and which could also be a commemorative coat of arms. Almost circular, it represents, in its center, a knight on horseback with his shield illustrating the apogee of the Raimondins (1094 – 1194) before the 15th century. The counts of Toulouse managed to implement an effective matrimonial strategy which allowed them to consolidate their influence in the region. The House of Raimondins forges alliances with local counts and viscounts, and strengthens its authority there. Raymond IV marries the daughter of Bertrand, Marquis of Provence. The matrimonial strategy of the counts of Toulouse also aimed to reconcile with the papacy which became a great ally of the counts of Toulouse, and more particularly during the first crusade against the Muslim world of 1095-1099. The Counts of Toulouse were among the great feudal lords of the Kingdom of France who left a lasting mark on the History of France, notably the Raimondins dynasty which inscribed its name in History with Raymond IV of Saint-Gilles one of the great figures of the first crusade. It was this dynasty which was at the center of the turmoil of the Albigensian Crusades. An inscription, perhaps a signature, on the back.