Spanish, probably Castile, second half 16th century

Private collection, Germany, acquired by the present owner's family in Paris, early 20th century

Overall the condition of the wood is good with some dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age.The sculpture is composed in sections and stable original joints are visible: in particular slightly open vertical joints, which are particularly visible in the upper portion of the relief. Much of the standing figure of the Virgin in the upper left corner of the background is lost. The lower left corner of the relief is lost. There are some further smaller losses, including to: the upper edges of the relief, to the one of the fingers of the breastfeeding woman, and to the head of one of the cherub supports of the baldachino. Much of the original polychromy and gilding survives, however, there is flaking, minor losses, and minor craquelure to the gilding and polychromy throughout. There is a layer of varnish to the flesh tones. There is a small hole in the upper right side of the relief, and a small metal pin below the arm of the breastfeeding woman. There is a cut section in the side of the bearded man. The relief has been reinforced with later struts at the back, there is also some canvas lining at the back.
"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 both concept and composition, this beautiful relief recalls a series of early 16th-century Castilian reliefs with the Life of the Virgin in the Indiana University Art Museum (Stratton, op. cit., pp. 160-161). The elegant, classicising faces of the female figures, however, would seem to place the present work in the later 16th century, among the circle of Italian-influenced Juan Bautista Vázquez el Viejo (1510-1588). Compare his Virgin and Child in Torrelaguna (Estrella Marcos, op. cit., pl. 1).

RELATED LITERATURE
M. M. Estrella Marcos, Juan Bautista Vázquez el Viejo en Castilla y America, Madrid, 1990; S. L. Stratton (ed.), Spanish Polychrome Sculpture 1500-1800 in United States Collections, exh. cat. The Spanish Institute, New York et al., Baltimore, 1993