German, Upper Rhine, circa 1480

with Jan Dirven, Eindhoven, 1982;
private collection, North Brabant

Delft, Museum Het Prinsenhof, 33e Oude kunst en antiekbeurs, 1981

33e Oude kunst en antiekbeurs, Delft, 1981, p. 111

Overall the condition of the wood is good, with wear and some dirt to the surface consistent with age. There is a loss to Christ's proper left index finger. There is wear to the polychromy throughout, including flaking and some losses, notably to Christ's face and chest and the high points of the drapery. Some of the polychromy may have been refreshed, including probably in the Virgin's face. There is stable splitting to the wood, consistent with the material, notably around the bottom, at the Virgin's shoulders, her proper right hand, and at the back. A section of the base at the right, a section of the drapery of the Virgin in this area, and Christ's proper left foot were carved separately and joined; Christ's foot is slightly unstable. There is an original insert to the proper right shoulder of the Virgin which has later been fixed using a nail and plaster. From it a split runs along the reverse to circa 20cm from the underside, which as also been filled with plaster. There is some evidence of past worming, notably to the Virgin's chest, beneath Christ's leg, and the back. There are a few chips and abrasions to the high points, including Christ's hair, beard and hands, the edges of the drapery, and the edges of the base. There is a wood insert to the top of the Virgin's head. Two pine wedges have been glued to the underside of the base using plaster to stabilise the group.
"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."

RELATED LITERATURE
E. Zimmermann, Die mittelalterlichen Bildwerke in Holz, Stein, Ton un Bronze mit ausgewählten Beispielen der Bauskulptur, cat. Badisches Landesmuseum, Karlsruhe, 1985, pp. 181-183, no. 111