A rare English carved oak panel 15th century

in high relief and with traces of polychrome decoration, depicting a beast with the head of a bearded man and with a triform foliate motif to each corner

Lovely patination. Old fixing holes visible. Some old separations at these sites. Very old chips to triform foliate motifs. Very atmospheric.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

It has been suggested that this curious panel could be a representation of St. Michael. The archangel was often depicted dressed in feathers as this was how he would have appeared in the Medieval Mystery Play. See a misericord illustrated by Christa Grössinger, The World Upside-Down, English Misericords, London, 1997, p. 33, pl. 41 for such a representation. It is more likely though that this fantastical beast was a product of the woodcarvers imagination - a drollery creature, made up to horrify or amuse the viewer.