Netherlandish, Antwerp, early 16th century

Overall the condition of the wood is good with some wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There are some remnants of polychromy to the base. There is some minor stable splitting to the surface consistent with material around the figure's proper right arm. The right side of the back of the throne has a restored break, the top section of the throne has a fissure on the other side as well and is slightly loose because of this. The fingers of the proper left hand, an attribute in the proper right hand, and the tip of the finial on the left side of the throne are lost. There are inserts to the lower left corner of the base and to an area next to the mark.
"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 charming figure, marked with the stamp of the woodcarver's guild of Antwerp, is reminiscent of several enthroned figures carved in Brabant in the early years of the 16th century. Particularly certain representations of Jesse show affinities, see for example the Retable of Pailhe in the Royal Museums in Brussels illustrated by Nieuwdorp (op.cit.) and the single figure of Jesse in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inv. no. A.33-1928). The present figure is, however, not dressed as a Christian and seems to be carrying a small sack of money and is therefore probably a Biblical ruler of dubious reputation. It is probably Pilate from a scene of Pilate and the Prophets, such as the one on the Passion altarpiece from Antwerp in Oxburgh Hall Norfolk illustrated by Woods (op.cit., no. 86).

RELATED LITERATURE
H. Nieuwdorp (ed.), Antwerpse retabels. 15de-16de eeuw, exh. cat. Kathedraal Antwerpen, Antwerpen, 1993, vol. I, p. 192; P. Williamson, Netherlandish Sculpture 1450-1550, cat. Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 2002, pp. 88-89, no. 22; K. Woods, Imported images. Netherlandish late gothic sculpture in England c. 1400-c. 1550, Donington, 2007, p. 457, no. 200