Netherlandish, Antwerp, circa 1540

stamped with the hand mark of the Antwerp wood carvers guild

private collection, Apeldoorn

Overall the condition of the wood is good with wear and minor dirt to the surface consistent with age. There are a few small losses, including to the seated man's toes on both feet. There is some stable splitting to the wood consistent with the material, visible in particular at the back and at the top of the balustrade. There are a few abrasions and minor losses to the high points of the figures, the top of the balustrade, and the edges of the terrasse. There are a few nicks, notably to the front of the terrasse. There is a hole to the front of the terrasse, and there are a few small holes to the back and the tops of the heads of the figures. The wood base is in good condition with some wear to the edges and a few paint marks 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."

These two figures were probably on the left side of the foreground of a scene in one of the registers of a major retable. A similarly designed pair, also characterised by Mannerist elongation and positioning and also with one figure with his back turned, is in the foreground of the Marriage of Mary and Joseph that is part of the superlative polyptych with scenes from the Life of the Virgin in the Saint Nicholas Church in Edingen illustrated by Nieuwdorp (op.cit.). The intricate raised decoration on the armour and shin guards of the figures must have been difficult to achieve for the sculptor and is unusual in Antwerp wood sculpture of the period. It suggests that the figures may not have been intended for painting. A group with Saint Veronica and a soldier from a Calvary from the Kunstmuseum Dusseldorf (inv. no. 1956-2) is treated similarly.

RELATED LITERATURE
H. Nieuwdorp (ed.), Antwerpse retabels. 15de-16de eeuw, exh. cat. Museum voor Religieuze Kunst Antwerpen, Antwerp, 1993, vol. I, pp. 98-107, 160-161, and 188, nos. 14 and 31