Médaillon Pélican avec ses jeunes Pays-Bas, XVIe siècle, Entourage de Jacques du Broeucq (1505-1584)

REFERENCE BIBLIOGRAPHIQUE
R. Didier, Jacques du Broecq 1505-1584, Brussels, 2000, pp. 209-214, 220 figs. 117A, 125, 135, pl. 59.

Overall the condition of the alabaster is good with dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age and handling. There are a number of small losses including the tips of some feathers on the back of the pelican's neck and right wing. There are losses to the beaks of the centre and right infant pelican and possibly to the entrails they are eating. There are a number of smaller chips and abrasions, including to the edges and behind the mother's head. There is naturally occurring veining (some of which is open), including at the mother's proper left wing and to either side of her head. There are a few orange spots and some orange residue behind the mother's proper left wing. There frame is in good condition with wear, visible joints, a metal mount to the back and marks from an old mount. Some of the grouting between the frame and relief is lost.
"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."

Par le choix et le traitement de l'albâtre, ce médaillon est à rapprocher des oeuvres du sculpteur flamand Jacques Dubroeucq (1500/10-1584) dans la collégiale Sainte Waudru de Mons, datant des années 1535. On y retrouve un modélé en profondeur très similaire, intégrant les veines et variations de couleur de l'albâtre pour mettre en valeur le relief. Le Pélican était au Moyen Âge un symbole de Piété: on croyait qu'il perçait sa propre chair et nourrissait ses petits de son sang. D'autres légendes racontent que le pélican tue ses petits, puis, pris de remords, ouvre sa poitrine de son bec. Son sang, se déversant sur les oisillons, les ramène alors à la vie. Dans l'iconographie chrétienne, le Pélican de piété symbolise le Sacrifice du Christ, qui versa lui aussi son sang pour les autres.