German School 15th century

Woodcut, hand-coloured in orange-red, green, blue, pale pink and light brown, circa 1481, only state, a good impression of this very rare work, on paper with a Flower from part of a watermark, trimmed to borderline, a few tears, nicks and paper losses at edges of sheet, slight surface dirt, backed with a thin sheet, in generally good condition for a work of this kind

We would recommend viewing before bidding
"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."

St. Bridget, founder of the Brigittine order, is represented writing her revelations with her attributes: a pilgrim's staff, hat (with a small woodcut of Christ) and satchel.

Her visions are made explicit by the presence of Christ, the Holy Spirit and the Virgin. In the corners are the coat of arms of Sweden, Rome, the House of Wittelsbach and Oettingen. The last two embody the patronage of Maria Maihingen monastery.

Schreiber attributes the work to the Master of Meinratlegende. It has also been suggested that the letter n at the centre of the projecting step corresponds to the monogram of the artist.

This rare work was cut out from the following work: Von der Bewerung und Bestettigung der Offenbarungen St. Brigitten, printed in Nuremberg, in 1481 (see Schr. 34). Schreiber lists only three impressions known in Munich, Linz and London.