Southern Netherlandish, Brabant, first quarter 16th century

Private collection, Belgium

Overall the condition of the wood is good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are a few small chips and losses, including to the roof of the tower, to the drapery at the bottom and to the edges of the drapery. Stable joints are visible at the proper left wrist and the fingers of the left hand, and it appears that the tip of the proper left little finger is replaced. There is some stable splitting to the wood, consistent with the material, including to the torso, the book, and the drapery around the legs. There is some whitish fill in areas, including to the proper left index finger and sleeve, and one of the corners of the book. There is a varnish to the surface throughout. There is some wax residue above the proper left eye. There is minor evidence of past worming in areas.
"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 beautifully carved oak figure of Saint Barbara, with elaborate headdress and hair divided in two curly strands, relates particularly to a Mary Magdalene, attributed to the celebrated Brussels sculptor Jan Borman (active 1479-1520) and dated 1490-1500 (op. cit. pp. 102-103, no. 40). Compare particularly the headdress, tied just under the chin, the high forehead and the narrow nose. Although the present sculpture is from the same region, the drapery, however, indicates a slightly later date - compare to a Virgin and Child, dated circa 1520, in Museum Catharijneconvent, Utrecht (inv. no. BMH bh5673C) which shows a similarly draped mantle over a dress with a low waist and deep triangular folds. 

RELATED LITERATURE
A. Huysmans (ed.), La Sculpture des Pays-Bas Méridionaux et de la Principauté de Liège, exh. cat. Musées royaux d'Art et d'Histoire, Brussels, 1999; M. van Vlierden, Hout- en steensculptuur van Museum Catharijneconvent, ca. 1200-1600, Utrecht, 2004, p. 261