France du Nord, vers 1520 Saint Martin partageant son manteau

Collection privée française; acquis à Limoges, vente maître Galateau, le 25 mai 1997, lot 73.

Good condition overall with some wear to the polychromie and surface dirt consistent wit age and handling. The terrasse appears to have been damaged with worming and has been parly replaced. The lower half of the beggar's crutch appears to have been replaced. The horse's breeds partly missing in the front; his properfront left thigh partly lacking with some worming.
"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."

Selon la tradition, Saint Martin servit dans la cavalerie romaine de Constantin (306-337 apr. J.C.) envoyée en Gaule. A Amiens, durant le rude hiver de 322, Saint Martin pris de compassion partagea son manteau avec un mendiant transit de froid. Fort populaire dans le nord de la France, de nombreuses représentations de Saint Martin coupant un pan de son manteau y fleurirent au XVe et au XVIe siècle. Nous pouvons notamment signaler le Saint Martin en bois polychrome du Cleveland Museum of Art, Nord de la France ou Brabant, vers 1480-1500 (inv. n° 1915.563).