French, Normandy, circa 1400

with Jacqueline Boccador, Paris, 1990

J. Boccador, Les Maitres du Temps. Du Moyen Age à la Renaissance, Paris, 1990, p. 86, no. 73

Overall the condition of the sculpture is good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The top of the head is intentionally missing, consistent with the story of the Saint's martyrdom. There are some small losses, including: to the proper left ear and to the tip of the proper left foot. There are some small chips to the edges of the drapery, including to the drape hanging over the arm on the proper left side. There are further small chips and abrasions to the skirt, and there are some losses to the proper right sleeve and to the proper left elbow. Further small losses include: to the hair, to the collar, and to three of the corners of the base. There is a possible restoration to the proper right elbow at the back. There are also some abrasions to the base. There are remains of original polychromy throughout. There are remnants of an old paper label to the reverse.
"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 5th-century martyr and Bishop of Reims is represented holding the top of his skull in his hands, referring to the account of his decapitation at the hands of the invading Vandals. The present figure's stylised hair and face, stout appearance and garment find a striking parallel in a statue of Saint Peter in the parish church of Le Fournet, Calvados, Normandy (Beranger-Menand, op. cit., p. 128). A comparable though stylistically distinct figure of Saint Nicaise from Notre-Dame, Écouis, dated to between 1311-1313, is illustrated by Gaborit-Chopin (op. cit., p. 108, no. 55).

RELATED LITERATURE
D. Gaborit-Chopin (ed.), L’Art au temps des rois maudits. Philippe le Bel et ses fils. 1285-1328, exh. cat. Galeries nationales du Grand Palais, Paris, 1998; B. Beranger-Menand, La statuaire médiévale en Normandie occidentale. La Vierge à l’Enfant, XIII-XVI siècle, Manche, 2004, vol. 2