Saint Bathild at The Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris

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Saint Balthild of Ascania, known as Bealdhild in Old English, was a woman of remarkable strength and courage. Born around 626 AD, she would go on to become the wife and queen of Clovis II, king of Burgundy and Neustria from 639 to 658 AD. Her life story is a testament to her unwavering dedication to her faith. Tradition suggests that Balthild was born into an Anglo-Saxon family of noble birth, possibly even related to Ricberht of East Anglia, the last pagan king of East Anglia. However, some historians question this claim. Regardless, it is clear that she was destined for greatness. As a young girl, Balthild was sold into slavery and forced to serve in the household of Erchinoald, the powerful mayor of the palace of Neustria to Clovis II. But even in bondage, she remained steadfast in her convictions. Her courage and resilience eventually caught the attention of Sigeberht, who had spent time as an exile in the Frankish court and had been converted to Christianity. Sigeberht's conversion to Christianity was a pivotal moment in his life, one that would ultimately lead him to establish himself as the rightful heir to the throne with the help of the Franks. And it was during this time that he met Balthild, a woman who would become his queen and his partner in faith. Together, Clovis II and Balthild ruled Burgundy and Neustria with wisdom and compassion. They worked tirelessly to spread the teachings of Christianity throughout their kingdom, establishing monasteries and schools where people could come to learn and grow. Throughout her life, Balthild remained committed to her faith, using her position as queen to promote the values of kindness, generosity, and humility. Her legacy continues to inspire people around the world, a testament to the power of courage, perseverance, and devotion. This object is part of "Scan The World", a non-profit initiative that aims to create a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from across the globe. Scan the World is an open-source community effort, and we invite you to contribute by emailing stw@myminifactory.com. Scanned using photogrammetry with Agisoft PhotoScan.