Lot 29
  • 29

Austrian, Salzburg, circa 1420-1430

Estimate
30,000 - 40,000 GBP
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Description

  • Virgin and Child
  • polychromed and partially gilt wood 
  • Austrian, Salzburg, circa 1420-1430

Provenance

distinguished private collection, Germany, 1920s;
and thence by family descent

Condition

Overall the condition of the wood is good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. Large traces of the original polychromy survive, though there is flaking to the surface. There is splitting to the wood consistent with material, notably a large split running down the centre of the back and some smaller splits at the Virgin's abdomen, lower drapery and the terrasse. The sculpture is composed in sections and stable original joints are slightly visible. Visible sections include: much of the Virgin's proper left side (including the shoulder and part of the headdress where there is a smaller section); the finials of the Virgin's coronet; Christ's proper right arm and the Virgin's drapes which he holds; and the Virgin's proper left foot. There is non active worming visible, particularly at the back and towards the terrasse. There are some small drilled holes at the back. There are some losses to the Virgin's coronet at the back and some small losses to the finials and also to the terrasse.
"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."

Catalogue Note

Schöne Madonnen, or Beautiful Madonnas, are among the most recognisable and sought-after works of art from a distinctive artistic movement that emerged around 1400 in Europe. Throughout the continent, artists departed from the generally more expressive style of the 14th century and introduced a more refined language. Graceful silhouettes, a calm charm and, famously, a voluminous drapery style characterised by sinuous cascading folds became the leitmotivs of the style. Today this phenomenon is referred to as the International Gothic, a term coined by Otto Pächt in 1962 (op.cit., p. 53).

Beautiful Madonnas from Salzburg are more opulent than their counterparts from Bohemia, due to the more portly body type and more voluminous drapery. Equally distinguishing traits are the more juvenile facial features of both the Virgin and the Child. Compare for example the Colli Madonna in the Liebighaus, Frankfurt (inv. no. 1066).

RELATED LITERATURE
O. Pächt, Europäische Kunst um 1400. Achte Ausstellung unter den Auspizien der Europarates, exh. cat. Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, 1962, p. 53; M. Maek-Gérard, Nachantike grossplastische Bildwerke. III. Die deutschsprächigen Länder ca. 1380-1530/40, cat. Liebighaus-Museum alter Plastik, Melsungen, 1985, no. 126; S. Guillot de Suduiraut (ed.), Sculptures allemandes de la fin du Moyen Age dans les collections publiques françaises 1400-1530, exh. cat. Musée du Louvre, Paris, 1991, pp. 27-30, 50-51, 55-58;