Southern Netherlandish, first half 17th century

Overall the condition of the wood is good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There appears to be a light wax to the surface throughout. There are a few minor losses, including to the dragon's tail, the top of its head, the Virgin's veil at the back of her head, her hair at the back, a section of her drapery on her proper right side, and the proper right wing of one of the cherub heads adorning the base. There are a few later wood replacements, including (probably) the Virgin's crown, the Child's proper right hand, the proper left wing of the cherub head at the front, and apparently the dragon's wings. There are also some reattachments with slightly open but stable joints, including to the Virgin's neck, a section of her drapery around the proper left arm, another at her proper right side, and the dragon's tail. There are further joints, partially filled with wax, to the Virgin's back. There are two holes and one insert to the Virgin's back. There is a separate, later, metal sceptre which may be inserted into the Virgin's hand. The base is probably later, while the cherub heads attached to it appear to be original to the group. There is some stable splitting to the base, consistent with the material.
"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."

With her elaborately embroidered robes, this elegant Virgin seems steeped in the tradition of 16th-century boxwood carving; see a statuette by the Master H.L. in the V&A (inv. no. A.30-1951). The type of composition, however, is one that is found frequently in Southern Netherlandish small-scale sculpture from the early 17th century, particularly Malines, while the decorative cherub heads attached to the base compare closely to church furnishings in Antwerp from this period.

RELATED LITERATURE
La sculpture au siècle de Rubens dans les Pays-Bas méridionaux et la principauté de Liège, exh. cat. Musée d'art ancien, Brussels, 1977, nos. 80, 81, 272; P. Philippot et al., L'architecture religieuse et la sculpture Baroques dans les Pays-Bas méridionaux et la principauté de Liège, Sprimont, 2003, pp. 153, 250-253, 699