Spanish, first half 14th century

Overall the condition of the wood is good, with wear and some dirt to the surface consistent with age. The top of the Virgin's head is carved separately and a joint is slightly visible. There is some stable splitting to the wood consistent with the material notably slightly open vertical splits to the Virgin's chest and between her legs through to the base. There are further slightly open splits to the back. There is a loss to the Child's proper right hand and to his feet, and some further losses to the edge of the base. There is wear to the polychromy throughout, including flaking and craquelure. Areas of loss to the polychromy include the Virgin's proper right breast and the top of her head. Some of the polychromy has likely been refreshed, notably in the faces. There are a few areas where the canvas lining has been exposed, including to the Virgin's hair on the proper right side, where it appears to conceal past worming. There is a small hole to the top of the Virgin's apple. There is a modern metal hook at the back and there is a hole to the underside. There is a label from Art Documentations System on the reverse, numbered: 5025 and: A01571.
"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 present group compares to Spanish representations of the Sedes Sapientiae dated to the first half of the 14th century.

RELATED LITERATURE
X. Company, I. Puig and J. Tarragona, Exposicio Pulchra: Centenari de la creacio del Museu 1893-1993, cat. Museu Diocesa de Lleida, Lleida, 1993, p. 121, nos. 185-186