- 34
English, probably Nottingham, 15th century
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
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Description
- Relief with the Coronation of the Virgin
- partially gilt and polychromed alabaster, in a later wood frame
- English, probably Nottingham, 15th century
Condition
The alabaster was formerly a larger relief; there are losses to all sides, particularly the right side, which would have included at least one more figure. Otherwise the condition is good, with some wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There are several chips and minor losses, including to the finger tips of all figures, their noses, the coronets, and to the bottom edge. There are extensive remnants of gilding and polychromy, though much of it is worn.
The wood frame is in good condition with minor general wear; there is a break to a metal mount at the top edge.
"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
Cheetham (op. cit. no. 142-143) published two panels of alabaster carvings of the Coronation of the Virgin where the Trinity is represented as three separate individuals, and identified 38 other examples. The present relief is a charming version of a similar Coronation; compare also to a panel in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inv. no. A.157-1946), which shows the complete right hand side with the figure of God the Father and another musician angel. Even though the present relief is a fragment, it preserves an exceptional amount of polychromy, especially around the faces of Christ and the Holy Spirit, making this a particularly expressive example of English alabaster carving.
RELATED LITERATURE
F. Cheetham, English Medieval Alabasters: With a Catalogue of the Collection in the Victoria and Albert Museum, Oxford, 1984, nos. 135-146