- 34
Austrian or Bohemian, circa 1420-40
Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Pietà
- polychromed limestone
- Austrian or Bohemian, circa 1420-40
Condition
Overall the condition of the sculpture is good, with some wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There is wear to the polychromy, including flaking and minor areas of loss, such as to the Virgin's red drapery at the bottom and Christ's proper right shoulder. At least some of the polychromy has probably been refreshed at a later date, notably that on the Virgin's face. There may be some minor erosion to the stone's surface in areas, including Christ's proper right arm. There is some rubbing at the high points, including to Christ's face. There are a few chips to the base, notably to the front left corner. There is a metal hook on 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
The present lot compares closely to a limestone pietà in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (inv. no. 2001.78), which is catalogued as Bohemian. The present group shows clear influence from the Bohemian Schöner Stil, especially in the abundance of drapery. Since the type was widely copied in Austria, particularly in Salzburg, where the Vesperbild was prominent, it is also possible it was carved there.
RELATED LITERATURE
B. Drake Boehm and J. Fajt (eds.), Prague: The Crown of Bohemia, 1347-1437, exh. cat. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 2005