Lot 34
  • 34

GERMAN, ULM, THIRD QUARTER 15TH CENTURY | Virgin and Child

Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 GBP
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Description

  • Virgin and Child
  • gilt and polychromed limewood, on a later wood base
  • group: 122cm., 48in.base: 5cm., 2in.
  • German, Ulm, third quarter 15th century

Provenance

Mr Ch. de Roy van Zuydewijn, and thence by descent;
sale of his heirs, Sotheby’s Amsterdam, 19 December 2000, lot 124;
private collection, Belgium

Condition

Overall the condition of the wood is good, with some wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. The bottom section at the front, including the crescent moon and the Virgin's foot, is a later restoration. Much of the original gilding and polychromy is intact. However there is wear, including craquelure throughout, and areas of loss exposing the wood underneath, in particular at the high points. There are a few minor losses to the wood, including to the proper left sleeve and the points of the crown. There are some further losses due to past worming, notably to the drapery at the sides at the bottom, and to a swirl of drapery on the Virgin's proper left side towards the back. There is further evidence of past worming at the hollowed back. There is a wood bar attached to the back which joins the figure with the later base.
"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

During the mid-15th century the leading sculptor in Swabia was the Ulm-based Hans Multscher, who inspired a considerable following. It is from within this milieu that the present, imposing Virgin and Child is likely to originate. The heavy folds of drapery falling from the Virgin's waist in ray-like fashion find direct comparisons in works from Multscher's school and followers, notably a Saint Catherine in Stuttgart and a Virgin and Child in Berlin (op. cit., cat. nos. 37b and 39). 

RELATED LITERATURE
Hans Multscher: Bildhauer der Spätgotik in Ulm, exh. cat. Ulmer Museum, Ulm, 1997