German, Franconia, second half 15th century

Lempertz Cologne, 15-17 November 1972, lot 1470

Please note: the wood has been treated with a mildly toxic substance and should be displayed in a well ventilated room. The proper right arm and hand is lost. There is a loss to the hair at the proper left side. There are a few chips, including a larger loss to the fold of drapery at the belly. There is stable splitting, including at the chest and back of the head. There is non-active worming throughout, much of which has been filled. There are losses to the base and lower drapery due to worming. There is a large insert to the back and a few inserts to the back of the head. There is an iron ring for mounting to the reverse. Otherwise the condition is good.
"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."

The voluminous drapery, squat proportions and thoughtful expression of the present female figure are likely to have originated in Swabia under the influence of the sculptor Hans Multscher. Multscher revolutionised German wood sculpture by introducing the weight and realism of Northern French and Netherlandish sculpture. The result was a style that maintained the beauty and interest in decorative effects of the International Gothic but was much more varied and earthly. For a figure with a similarly rounded face and stark drapery scheme, see the Mary Magdalen on the left hand side of the St. George altarpiece by a follower of Multscher in Scharenstetten.

RELATED LITERATURE
B. Reinhardt (ed.), Hans Multscher. Bildhauer der Spätgotik in Ulm, exh. cat. Ulmer Museum, Ulm, 1997, pp. 345-350, no. 30