North East French, circa 1340-1350

with De Raad, Rosmalen, 1980;
private collection, North Brabant

Overall the condition of the stone is good, with dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The Virgin's proper left foot, proper left hand and Christ's proper right hand are lost; a metal dowel is visible at the stump of Christ's proper right arm. There are losses to the Virgin's crown, in particular at the proper right side and at the back, and there is a loss to the Virgin's drapery by her proper right knee. There is a restoration to Christ's nose, and there is some fill to the Virgin's face. The head of Christ may have been reattached. There is wear with some flaking and losses to the polychromy throughout, and notably to the red and blue of the Virgin's drapery. There are a few chips to the edges, and there are some abrasions to the back.
"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."

Even though the jolly facial types and drilled decoration on the agrafes are highly unusual, the sophistication with which the drapery on the present figures are carved compares closely with statues of the Virgin and Child from the Lorraine.

RELATED LITERATURE
J.A. Schmoll gen. Eisenwerth, Die lothringische Skulptur des 14. Jahrhunderts, Petersberg, 2005, nos. 171 and 365