Northern French, 15th century

with Brimo de Laroussilhe, Paris, France, after 1908

E. Bertrand, Emaux Limousins du Moyen Age, 1ère partie, Essai d'un inventaire des émaux limousins du moyen âge, négociés par Brimo de Laroussilhe depuis 1908, Paris 1995, p. 12

Overall the condition of the wood is good, with some wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. It appears that a varnish has been applied to the surface. There is some stable splitting to the wood, consistent with the material, notably to the centre of the chest, to the seat between the legs, and an open split to the proper right hip and thigh. The hands are carved separately. There are a few minor losses, including to the big toe of the proper right foot and to the side edges of the seat. There appears to be a restoration at the proper right elbow. There are two holes to the shoulders, probably to accommodate now-lost nails that were part of the Saint's martyrdom. There is a dent and a small hole to the top of the head. There is minor evidence of past worming, visible in particular on the reverse. There are two metal brackets to the reverse.
"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."

According to the Golden Legend, St. Quentin was a 3rd century Roman who travelled to Gaul as a missionary and lived for a time in Amiens. Because of his preaching, he was imprisoned and tortured. One of his tortures included being manacled to a chair, which is how he is presented in the present lot. He is venerated in particular in Picardy, Northern France. For an early representation of St. Quentin see J. Boccador, Statuaire Medievale en France de 1400 a 1530, 1974, vol. I, p. 48, fig. 34.