French, circa 1300

Christie's London, 15 December 1982, lot 23;
Sotheby's London, 10 December 1992, lot 21

Overall the condition of the bronze is good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is wear to the gilding throughout and some areas where the gilding has tarnished to a copper colour, including at the hands and drapery at the front. There are a few casting flaws and there is a small hole to 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."

Another version of this figure was exhibited as part of the Keir Collection in the British Museum in 1981-1982 (op.cit.), there described as cast brass. It is interesting to note that a figure of St. John from the same period that was sold in these rooms on 4 July 1991, lot 25, also exists in two versions. Another version of this, presumably from the same workshop, was discovered in Sheppey, Kent.

RELATED LITERATURE
M.-M. Gauthier and G. François, Medieval enamels. Masterpieces from the Keir collection, exhib. cat. British Museum, London, 1981, no. 40, fig. 13; W. D. Wixom (ed.), Mirror of the medieval world, exhib. cat. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1999, p. 108, no. 129