- 14
English, Nottingham, second half 15th century
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- Relief with The Adoration of the Magi, with Mary and Joseph
- partially polychromed and gilt alabaster, on a later wood and metal mount
- relief: 43 by 27cm., 16 7/8 by 10 5/8 in.
- English, Nottingham, second half 15th century
with an old collection label inscribed in pencil: 3500
Condition
Overall the condition of the alabaster is good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is weathering to the surface throughout. There are restored breaks to the lower part of the relief (most visible from the back). There is naturally occurring veining, including a vein running through Balthasar. There are a number of losses, including to the background inbetween Bathasar and Melchior and to the top right corner. Further losses include the left donkey's proper right ear and part of his companion's proper right ear; to the Virgin's coronet and to the canopy above her; to Gaspar's coronet; to Bathasar and Melchior's hands; to Joseph's staff; to Christ's head and proper right arm; and to the ground. There are five mount holes to the reverse (one filled), and two holes running through the relief, one to the right of the Virgin and one behind Gaspar's beard. There are remants of the original polychromy and gilding.
"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
This attractive relief is very close to another in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (inv. no. A95-1946). Note the almost identical poses and attributes of Balthasar and Melchior, the similarly posed figure of Christ, the Virgin's canopy with rosette and Gaspar's bare left leg.
RELATED LITERATURE
F. Cheetham, English Medieval Alabasters with a catalogue of the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, Oxford, 1984, pp. 180-3, 187-8, nos. 107-110, 114-115; F. Cheetham, Alabaster Images of Medieval England, Woodbridge, 2003, pp. 83-7, figs. 50-56, 60-64
RELATED LITERATURE
F. Cheetham, English Medieval Alabasters with a catalogue of the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, Oxford, 1984, pp. 180-3, 187-8, nos. 107-110, 114-115; F. Cheetham, Alabaster Images of Medieval England, Woodbridge, 2003, pp. 83-7, figs. 50-56, 60-64