German, Upper Rhine, second half 15th century

together with a German gilt bronze appliqué with an Angel bearing a scroll, Upper Rhine, late 15th century

the Virgin and Child relief inscribed: 191 on the reverse

Dr Johannes Jantzen, Bad Homburg, Germany;
thence by descent to the present owner

Schloss Cappenberg, Museum für Kunst und Kulturgeschichte Dortmund, Deutsche Bronzen des Mittelalters und der Renaissance: Medaillen und Goldschmiedearbeiten, 1960, nos. 10 and 11

Overall the condition of the bronzes is good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age and handling. There is some rubbing to the gilding at the high points, in particular in the Virgin and Child group. There are a few nicks and scratches, notably to the throne and dress of the Virgin, and there appear to be a few minor nicks to the Angel's face. There is some tarnishing to the gilding in the crevices. The stands are in good condition with minor wear and dirt, including some glue residue at 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."

The beautiful and monumentally conceived composition of the Virgin and Child exists in only two other recorded versions; one in the Kress collection, formerly in the Dreyfus collection, and another in the Staatliche Museen in Berlin.

RELATED LITERATURE
E. F. Bange, Die Bildwerke des Deutschen Museums, ii, Die Bildwerke in Bronze und in anderen Metallen, Berlin and Leipzig, 1923, p. 70; S. de Ricci, The Gustave Dreyfus Collection: Reliefs and Plaquettes, Oxford, 1931, no. 445; J. Pope Hennessy, Renaissance Bronzes from the Samuel H. Kress Collection, London, 1965, p. 118, no. 436 and fig. 451