French, circa 1215 and later

inscribed: CO/AN

private collection, Ghent

A professional condition report for this lot is available upon request.
"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 central medallion of this impressive stained glass panel likely depicts St. John the Evangelist (who carries a palm) with an Apostle. It closely parallels French stained glass from the first quarter of the 13th century, particularly examples from the cathedrals of Bourges, Chartres and Sens. Compare the long fingers emanating from triangular shaped hands with those of figures from the window with the Legend of the discovery of the relics of St. Stephen in the cathedral of St. Etienne in Bourges (circa 1215; medievalart, op. cit.). The hair of the Apostle in the present panel, composed of thick, swept back, tufts, together with his pouting mouth, are similar to two of the figures in the scene showing the sea crossing to Jerusalem from the Legend of St Mary of Egypt series also at Bourges (circa 1215; Rollet, op. cit., p. 124); each of these figures have the same 'cowlick' lock of hair curling on their foreheads. It is not clear whether the present composition is original, though much medieval stained glass can be found in the central roundel. The yellow borders and red spandrels can be identified as later glass.

RELATED LITERATURE
J. Rollet, Les maitres de la lumiere, Paris, 1980, pp. 124, 131, 164; http://www.medievalart.org.uk/bourges/15_pages/Bourges_Bay_15_key.htm accessed 24 May 2015