Attributed to the Master of the Schongauer-Altärchens German, Passau, circa 1500

private collection, Marseille, circa 1952;

Marseille, Musée Cantini, L'art du moyen age dans les collections marseillaises, 1952

Overall the condition of the wood is good with some dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is wear to the gilding and the polychromy, including flaking and craquelure, in particular to the Virgin's face, hand, and the Child's body. The polychromy may have been refreshed in areas, including the faces. There are several losses to the tips of the crown. There are a few overpainted chips, including to a fold of drapery at the front towards the bottom and the Virgin's hair by her proper right elbow. There is a loss to the top of the Virgin's head inside the crown, possibly due to worming. Some minor non-active worming is visible at the back. There are two holes to the back, and another where the collection label is pierced.
"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."

This delicate statuette is characteristic of the work of the Meister des Schongauer-Altärchens, named after his carvings for an altarpiece in Ulm Minster, whose paintings are based on prints by Martin Schongauer. Following his activity in Ulm in the 1480s, the sculptor was recorded in Passau. The present group's drapery, and especially the whimsical smiles of its figures, are found in many of the Master's works, notably the large Madonna in the Parish Church in Kreuzberg (op. cit., cat. no. 24). 

RELATED LITERATURE
A. Miller, 'Der Meister des Schongauer-Altärchens in Ulm und in Passau', Zeitschrift des Deutschen Vereins für Kunstwissenschaft, vol. 63, 2009, pp. 138-198

We would like to thank Dr. Albrecht Miller for his assistance in cataloguing this lot.