Vierge à l'Enfant, Autriche, fin du XVIIe siecle, attribué à Ehrgott Bernhard Bendl (1670-1738)

E. D. Schmidt, M. Sframeli, Diafane passionni. Avori barocchi dalle corti europee, cat.exp. Florence, 2013, pp. 266-267, no. 91; La sculpture au siècle de Rubens dans les Pays-bas méridionaux et la principauté de Liège, cat. exp., Bruxelles, 1977, p. 139, no 102.

 

Ivory group finely carved and in good condition overall. A few fine fissures visible at several places to the Christ's body and her dress, in particular one around her neck, due to exposure to important temperature changes. A small lack to the lower edge of her drapery on the ground. The group is sold with an old wooden base. Very fine piece.
"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."

Les statuettes de Vierges à l'Enfant sculptées dans des matériaux précieux tels que le buis ou l'ivoire furent utilisées comme objets de dévotion privée dans toute l'Europe du XVIIe siècle. La composition de notre statuette, représentant la Vierge assise embrassant tendrement l'Enfant rencontra un grand succès. Un modèle comparable attribué à Ehrgott Bernhard Bendl (1660-1738) est conservé dans la collection Olbricht à Berlin (cat. exp., Florence, 2013, op. cit.). Le modelé fluide de la chevelure et des visages associé au traitement plus anguleux des drapés se rapprochent de la production flamande et celle de Malines en particulier, comme la Vierge présentée en 1977 à Bruxelles (cat. exp., Bruxelles, op. cit.).