Northern French or Flemish, early 16th century

Mary: with a yellow paper label inscribed: H. B / 20 / a
St John: with a yellow paper label inscribed: H B / 20 / b

Overall the condition of the wood is good. There is wear to the polychromy throughout; some of areas of paint are flaking. There are stable splits running through the sculptures and there is some past worming consistent with the material. Mary has a larger stable split running though the proper right side of the body, which is most evident at the back of the head where it is open slightly. The proper left foot is lost. There is a split running through the proper right hand and this hand appears to have been reattached; there are two metal pins here. The front of Mary's headdress is loose and may be a replacement. A piece of wood has been attached to the back of the sculpture using metal pins and a strip of wood has been lost to the right of this, leaving an opening and an exposed metal pin. There is a metal hook behind Mary's head. St John has a larger open split at the proper left side of the neck and another at the proper left side at the back. There is a small loss to the ground at the front, the toes of the proper right foot are lost, the fingers of the proper right hand are lost and the index finger of the proper left hand is lost. There is a metal hook in the back of the neck.
"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."