South German, Ulm, mid-15th century

Sotheby's Amsterdam, 18 May 1999, lot 180

The sculpture has been outside and the polychromy has worn and flaked throughout as a consequence. The remaining polychromy is unstable, especially at the face, and the white ground is visible in many areas. Christ's proper right arm is lost. There is splitting to the wood throughout, consistent with material; this has been exaggerated because the sculpture has been outdoors. There is splitting especially down the Virgin's proper left side and to the crown. There are various losses to the crown, and the back section is unstable and loose. The Virgin's proper right hand is carved separately and joints are visible. There are losses to the base. The polychromy was refreshed at some point prior to being outdoors - this is evident particularly at the Virgin's eyes. There is a metal mount to the back. The sculpture would benefit from professional restoration.
"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."

Hans Multscher's Virgin and Child from circa 1440 in the church of the Heilige Maria Himmelfart in Landsberg am Lech seems to have served as the inspiration for the present group. The swaying pose and V-folds of the Virgin and the playful pose of the Child are all closely related.

RELATED LITERATURE
Hans Multscher. Bildhauer der Spätgotik in Ulm, exh. cat. Ulmer Museum, Ulm, 1997, pp. 40-44, fig. 13