North Italian, probably Veneto, circa 1400

With Heim Gallery, London, 1972

London, Heim Gallery, Sculptures of the 15th and 16th Centuries, Summer Exhibition, 1972, no. 24

Overall the condition of the stone is good, with some wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There are a few small losses, including to both big toes of the Virgin and to the Angel's proper right index finger. The tips of Gabriel's wings and his head appear to have been reattached, and some glue residue is slightly visible. It appears that the Angel's proper right hand is also reattached. There is also a fissure, or a reattachment, to the Virgin's proper right hand. It appears that the Virgin's halo has been reattached. There are small chips and abrasions around the edges of both reliefs. There are further minor chips in areas, notably to the high points of the drapery, and to the Virgin's nose and her veil on the proper left side. Most of the polychromy is lost, and it is possible that some of the remaining polychromy is later. There is plaster visible on the backs of both reliefs, probably for stabilisation. The metal stands are in good condition with some general wear.
"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 attractive pair of reliefs depict the Annunciation. They particularly recall corner reliefs from sarcophagi found in the Veneto from the early 14th century onwards. See, for example, those published by Planiscig in the Estensische Kunstsammlung at the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna (op. cit., nos. 28-29, 38-39, 52-56). With their heavy drapery and the curling scroll they are reminiscent of Venetian Gothic sculpture in general, see, for example, the Apostles by Jacobello and Pierpaolo dalle Masegne in San Marco, Venice (Poeschke, op. cit., fig. 266). Their elegant, elongated, bodies nonetheless suggest a dating to the early 15th century, and they compare with Annunciation groups from the tombs of Dogaressa Venier and her daughter and of Michele Morosini, both of which are to be found in the church of SS Giovanni e Paolo in Venice (see Planiscig, Geschichte..., op. cit., figs. 98, 160, 162).

RELATED LITERATURE
L. Planiscig, Die Estensische Kunstsammlung, vol. I, cat. Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, 1919, nos. 28-29, 38-39, 52-56; L. Planiscig, Geschichte der Venezianischen Skulptur im XIV. Jahrhundert: Jahrbuch der Kunsthistorischen Sammlungen des Allerhöchsten Kaiserhauses XXXIII, Vienna, 1916, figs. 98, 160, 162; J. Poeschke, Die Skulptur des Mittelalters in Italien: Gotik, Munich, 2000, figs. 266-267