An English Alabaster Relief of the Virgin and Child, 15th Century, Nottingham

Overall standard surface wear and minor losses. Upper left corner broken and repaired. Right front section of crown broken and repaired. Christ's head with clean break, repaired. Top section of sceptre broken and repaired. All repairs are well done and not immediately visible. Polychromy rubbed and some refreshed throughout.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Although apostles or saints are more frequently seen in this slender, single-figure relief format, the present composition of the Virgin and Child suggests that it occupied a large reredos, punctuating a series of larger panels showing narrative scenes.  Cheetham notes that there are only some half-dozen known examples of figures or relief panels showing the standing Virgin with the Child seated on her left arm, and at least another twelve standing with the Child on her right arm (See F. Cheetham, English Medieval Alabasters, Oxford, 1984, p. 191 cat. no. 118).  Particularly close to the present example is one in the museum at Evreaux (see Illustrated Catalogue of the Exhibition of English Medieval Alabaster Work, Society of Antiquaries, 26^th May – 30^th June, 1910, London, 1913, plate II, fig. 2).

This lot includes a copy of the book Illustrated Catalogue of the Exhibition of English Medieval Alabaster Work, Society of Antiquaries, 26^th May – 30^th June, 1910, London, 1913.