French, Île-de-France, circa 1340

Private collection, France

Overall the condition of the stone is good. There is wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There are losses and wear to the polychromy throughout. There is an unstable area of paint at the proper right hand. Over half of the later glass pastes were lost. There are chips to the crown, proper right side of her proper right hand and around the bases and further smaller losses to the edges of the drapery. One section of the proper right side of the crown was reattached. There are a few minor restorations, including an area to the drapery to the right of her proper right knee.
"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."

Of the Gothic stone Virgins carved in France in the 14th century, the finest are those originating from Paris and the surrounding province of Île-de-France. The figures are exceedingly elegant, with slender elongated bodies positioned in the typical S-curve, drapery falling in deep folds to the ground and slight smiles. In each case, the line of the body is softened by the right foot of the Virgin pointing to the side. The Child is invariably playful: He tugs at his mother's drapery or fondles an attribute such as a bird.  It is often suggested that this style derives from the silver gilt Virgin and Child given by Jeanne d'Evreux to the Abbey of St. Denis, arguably the most influential institution in Gothic Europe.

RELATED LITERATURE
F. Baron, B. Donzet and C. Siret, Les Fastes Du Gothique le siecle de Charles V, exh. cat. Galeries Nationales du Grand Palais, Paris, 1981, nos. 28, 38 and 39; D. Gaborit-Chopin (ed.), L'Art au temps des rois maudits. Philippe le Bel et ses fils 1285-1328, exh. cat. Galeries Nationales du Grand Palais, 1998, pp. 231-233, no. 152