French, School of Troyes, circa 1520

by repute Ivor Guest, Viscount Wimborne, London or Ashby St. Ledgers, until circa 1939;
Thomas F. Flannery, Jr., Chicago by 1980;
his sale, Sotheby's London, 1-2 December 1983, lot 87;
Ronald Lee, London;
private collection, Switzerland, 1984 to present

There is dirt and wear to the surface throughout, consistent with age. The majority of the polychromy is lost. The proper right hand and palm, proper left sleeve and a few sections of the drapery are restored. There is an open but stable fissure to the restoration at the proper right sleeve. There are possible restorations to the nose, some of which have been lost. There are also possible restorations to the tower, book and cover. The top of the head is reattached. There are losses throughout, including to the drapery, in particular to the edges of the braided decoration.
"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."

This figure of St. Barbara and her companion St. Catherine (lot 6B5Q2) are distinctive in their treatment of the soft voluminous drapery folds and the inclusion of intricate details to the costume. The small dimpled mouth and almond shaped eyes are all characteristics found in sculpture originating from the Champagne region, in particular the Troyes workshops of the early sixteenth century. 

RELATED LITERATURE
J. Boccador, Statuaire Medievale en France de 1400 a 1530, vol. II, figs. 122-136; C. Avery, Sculpture from Troyes, cat. Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1984, plates 1-9