Spanish, Valencia or Valladolid, 14th century

Private European collection

In consideration of the age of the group, the condition is stable with much of the carving well preserved. There is non-active worming to the wood consistent with the material, which is most apparent at the back of the group. The reverse of the group is flat, indicating that it may have been cut down, possibly to remove wormed wood. The centre of the group at the back has been unaffected by this process and the surface is darker. There are various losses around the base of the group due to worming. There are substantial traces of old polychromy and gilding. The polychromy may have been refreshed in areas, particularly the skin tones are probably of later date. There is stable flaking, craquelure and various losses to the painted surface. There is stable splitting to the wood consistent with age and the material, in particular to St Anne's legs and to the reverse. There are losses to Christ's hands and the orb held by the Virgin. Two of the finials of St Anne's crown are lost, and of the remaining three, one is unstable and one is incomplete. These finials could be replaced. The Virgin and possibly Christ would have had crowns, there may be gesso restorations to the heads of Christ and the Virgin. In areas there are layers of canvas, some of which are old and sit beneath the paint layer, strengthening the surface. However, it is possible that some of the canvas could have been applied subsequently by a restorer in order to stabilise splits. There are some losses and possible restorations to Christ's nose and mouth.
"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."

With its complex interplay of three figures and beautiful linear falling drapes this rare Anna Selbdritt is a striking example of Spanish medieval wood sculpture. Compare the drapes with the late 13th-/ early 14th- century Virgin and Child from the main retable of the Church of Santa Maria in Portillo, near Valladolid (Ara Gil. op. cit., pl. LXII). For the figure of Christ, note the early 14th-century group also from the Valladolid environs in the church at Viloria (Ara Gil. op. cit., pl. LXIII).

RELATED LITERATURE
C-J. Ara Gil, Escultura Gotica en Valladolid y su Provincial, Valladolid, 1977, pl. LXII

The present lot is offered with a Radiocarbon dating measurement report (ref. no. RCD-8696) prepared by J. Walker of RCD Lockinge, which states that the wood dates between 1218 and 1294 (95% confidence interval).