- 163
French, île-de-France, 13th century
Estimate
15,000 - 25,000 USD
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- Virgin and Child
- limestone
- French, île-de-France, 13th century
Literature
Jacqueline Boccador, Statuaire médiévale de collection, 2 vols., 1972, vol. 1, no. 226 and 227, p. 245
Condition
Chipping, losses, and wear throughout. Upper half of Child and her proper right hand lacking. Other losses include: drapery below proper right arm; proper left back side of veil where Child's arm would have been. Her head was probably reattached as has the tip of one of her feet. Remainders of polychromy.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
By the 13th century, sculptures of the Virgin and Child in France no longer possessed the austere appearance of Byzantine icons. The rigid figure style gave way to more natural forms and sculptures became more human. In the present sculpture of the Mother and Child, the influence of Chartrain art on the surrounding regions is evident.
The carved figures on the tympanums and piers of the portals of the cathedral of Chartres were the first to display this new figure style. Sculptures became nearly detached from their architectural settings and, like the present group, were carved more fully in the round.
Here, the Virgin’s drapery moves gently as she shifts her weight from one leg to the other, a characteristic that developed into a tangible swing of the body that became synonymous with French 14th century high Gothic sculpture.
The carved figures on the tympanums and piers of the portals of the cathedral of Chartres were the first to display this new figure style. Sculptures became nearly detached from their architectural settings and, like the present group, were carved more fully in the round.
Here, the Virgin’s drapery moves gently as she shifts her weight from one leg to the other, a characteristic that developed into a tangible swing of the body that became synonymous with French 14th century high Gothic sculpture.