Lot 55
  • 55

NORTHERN NETHERLANDISH, PROBABLY UTRECHT, CIRCA 1520 | Relief with the Fainting Virgin

Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 GBP
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Description

  • Relief with the Fainting Virgin
  • oak
  • 37 by 33cm., 14½ by 13 in. 
  • Northern Netherlandish, probably Utrecht, circa 1520

Condition

Overall the condition of the wood is good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is very minor stable splitting to the wood, consistent with the material, including to the central figure's proper right upper arm, and to the cloak and below the feet of Mary Magdalene on the right side of the relief. There is minor evidence of past worming, including to the back and the bottom right corner of the relief. There are a few minor losses, including to the proper left hand of the figure at the back in the centre, to the proper left hand of the figure at the far right of the relief, and to two locks of hair of Saint John. There is a further minor loss to the fingers of the Virgin on the proper right hand. It is possible that the relief has been thinned at the back.There are a few small holes to the wood, including to the base below St John's feet, to the right side of the relief and to the back. There is some glue residue to the Virgin's proper right sleeve.
"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

Compare the Magdalen's headdress with a Magdalen and a Saint Dorothy by the Master of the Utrecht Stone Head of a Woman (Preising and Rief, op. cit., nos. 58 and 59). See also a Relief of the Lamentation, sold in these rooms, 12 December 1985, lot 75, which shows a very similar composition - although with fewer figures - and a Saint John with comparable dynamic locks of curly hair.  RELATED LITERATURE
D. Preising and M. Rief (eds.), Mittelalterliche Bildwerke aus Utrecht: 1430-1530, exh. cat. Museum Catharijnenconvent, Utrecht and Suermondt-Ludwig-Museum, Aachen, Stuttgart, 2012