Considering its age, the Head is in remarkable condition, with expected tissue damage from handling and natural decay. The lower right canine tooth appears to be a substitute.

Found in a sealed reliquary in the catacombs beneath Marseille (310 C.E.); relocated to the Basilica of St. Victor in Marseille during Viking raids (843); gifted to King Louis VIII of France (1221); acquired by the Duval family of Lyon (1893); purchased by art collector Philippe Moreau (1902); bequeathed to the Institut de France by Moreau's descendant (1985).

The patron saint of Paris, Saint Denis was martyred in the 3rd century CE. According to legend, after decapitation he picked up his head and walked several miles, preaching a sermon the entire way. Saint Denis is among the most famous of the cephalophoric saints, including Saint Ginés de la Jara and Paul the Apostle. Nicolai Valens (1232-1283) in his hagiography claimed the head of St. Denis would open its eyes every Easter and silently mouth the Regina Caeli.