Spanish, circa 1300-1320

Overall, the condition of the wood is good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The Virgin's proper right hand is lost, and there are losses to the base and the Virgin's proper right foot. The polychromy has been cleaned and later paint layers removed. It is possible that the polychromy may have been refreshed in areas, such as in the faces. There is craquelure to the polychromy throughout, in particular to the faces. There is minor stable splitting to the wood, consistent with the material. There is a larger stable split running on the back from the top to the bottom of the sculpture, and there are wood inserts. There appear to be two wood plugs on the proper right hand side on the back. There are some losses to the bottom at the back, and some old metal pins. The very bottom of the base appears to be later, and there are some old restorations around the base. There is evidence of old canvas material to the back of the head. The two sides of the throne at the back are separately carved. There is evidence of non-active worming, particularly at the bottom, and some of the losses may be due to worming.
"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."

This impressive Spanish Gothic carving of the Virgin and Child follows a composition often referred to as Sedes sapientiae, an arrangement which has its roots in the Byzantine tradition of presenting the Virgin frontally, enthroned, with the Christ Child seated on Her left leg. The Sedes sapientiae composition was central to the Marian cult during Romanesque times, with the Virgin appearing in her dual role both as Mother of God and of man, simultaneously presented with Christ seated on Her knee, whilst being enthroned as Queen of Heaven. The present sculpture compares particularly with Northern Spanish 13th and 14th-century representations of the Madonna and Child, particularly in the prominent flowing veil. Compare for example with the enthroned group attributed to Navarre, circa 1280-1300 in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (inv. no. 53.67). Compare also with the Valladolid Virgin and Child from the Iglesia de Santa Maria, Portillo published in C-J. Ara Gil, Escultura Gotica en Valladolid y su Provincial, Valladolid, 1977, pl. LXII.