After a model by Juan de Juni (circa 1507-1577) Spanish or Southern Netherlandish, 17th century

inscribed: C(?)TOTA PVLCHRA ES AMICA MEA. ET MACVLA NON EST IN TE DÑA. to the base, and with remnants of a label inscribed illegibly in Spanish to the underside of the case

Collection of a distinguished scholar, Spain, by circa 1960;
by family descent to the present owners

Overall the condition of the wood is very good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is minor stable splitting to the wood consistent with the material, in particularly to the back of the throne. Part of the Virgin’s book is carved separately and a stable original joint is slightly visible. A small section of the terrasse at the front is carved separately. St John’s proper right arm appears to be carved separately and reattached with some restoration at the orb. Some minor restoration to the Virgin’s proper right hand. There are traces or gilding including to the Virgin’s head. There is a knot in the wood at the back of the throne. Wear to the inscription and to the edges of the moulded base. There is wear to the gilding on the case, particularly at the corner angels. The roof detaches and one finial is lost. There is an old label to the underside and a hole for a strut connecting the group to the case. Metal mounts possibly later.
"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 superbly carved little devotional group follows the Virgin de las Candelas in the Iglesia de Santa Marina la Real, León, by the celebrated Spanish Mannerist sculptor Juan de Juni (circa 1545). However, the quality of the carving and the use of boxwood on a small scale recalls Netherlandish sculpture, such as the small scale groups by Mattheus van Beveren (1630-1690). Stylistically it is likely that the present group was carved around the middle of the 17th century. However, note the interesting compositional correspondences with the small boxwood Virgin and Child and St John by Peter Scheemaeckers the Elder (1652-1714), sold in these rooms on 2 July 1997, lot 276.

RELATED LITERATURE
C. Theuerkauff, 'Addenda to the Small-Scale Sculpture of Mattheus van Beveren of Antwerp', Metropolitan Museum Journal 23, 1988, pp. 125-147