North East French or South Netherlandish, circa 1400-1420

Overall the condition of the wood is good, with some dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. Both forearms are lost. There is wear to the gilding and polychromy throughout, including flaking in some areas, notably the face. The polychromy may have been stabilised to an extent, including probably in the face. There is stable splitting to the wood consistent with the material, including to the back at the top and to the edges of the terrasse. A large section of the back is carved separately with a large hole towards the bottom. There are a few chips and losses to the edges of this section, and there are several further chips and minor losses, including to the toes, the edges of the drapery and the front left corner of the base. The underside is partially padded with three pieces of felt.
"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."

Whilst the angular chin and general conception of this figure of Saint John from a Crucifixion can be found throughout later Gothic Northern European wood sculpture, the drapery scheme, with its sharp lines and wonderful sets of cascading folds, finds its closest parallels in North-eastern France.

RELATED LITERATURE
J. Boccador, Statuaire médiévale en France de 1400  à 1530, Zoug, 1974, vol. I, p. 213, figs. 259-260; J. W. Steyaert (ed.), Late Gothic sculpture. The Burgundian Netherlands, exh. cat. Museum voor Schone Kunsten, Ghent, 1994, pp. 110-115, nos. 9 and 10