English, Nottingham, 15th century

with a circular label numbered: 1023 to the underside

Brimo de Laroussilhe, Paris, 1992

Overall the condition of the alabaster is good. There is some wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. The polychromy on the underside is worn; there are some traces of further polychromy to the Virgin's crown. There are a few minor nicks and losses, including to the nose of the Virgin, her little fingers, outstretched fingers of Christ and along the edge of the relief. Both top corners were reattached. The relief is mounted on the frame with three screws; there are two wires to the reverse of the alabaster for hanging. The frame has worming and stable splitting consistent with material. There is wear to its edges.
"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."

In England, alabaster was quarried from the Middle Ages onwards near Derby, west of Nottingham. Initially the alabaster was used for tombs but as the mallability and abundance of the stone became apparent workshops began producing the now famous figures and reliefs illustrating the Life of Christ, the Virgin and the Saints. Although these objects were carved in a number of places such as Burton-on-Trent, Chellaston, York and even London, it was Nottingham which was the major centre for production. By the fifteenth century the trade in English alabasters had become international. Examples reached as far north as Iceland and as far south as Spain and the Mediterranean. Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539, the industry died out in the space of a decade.

The present relief is a new addition to Cheetham's authoritative list of English alabasters. It is a superior example of a type of Coronation by the Trinity in which the Holy Spirit is represented as a dove and the Virgin is seated.

RELATED LITERATURE
F. Cheetham, Alabaster images of Medieval England, Woodbridge, 2003, pp. 101-103, no. 12, 22 and 25, figs. 104-106