France, Paris, vers 1300-1320

traces de polychromie, la couronne en argent 

Collection Oscar Hainauer, Berlin, no. 140
Collection Frédéric Spitzer, Paris
sa vente à Paris, le 17 avril 1893, lot 117

Sammlung Oscar Hainauer, cat. exp. Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Berlin, 1898, cat. pl. XIV, fig. 3.
Exposition d'objets d'art du Moyen Age et de la Renaissance, Hôtel de Sagan, Paris,1913. 

E. Molinier, La Collection Spitzer, tome. I, Paris, 1890, p. 53, no. 82.
W. Bode, Die Sammlung Oscar Hainauer, Berlin, 1897, p. 82, no. 140.
R. Koechlin, Les ivoires gothiques français, Paris, 1968, no. 85.
Exposition d'objets d'art du Moyen Age et de la Renaissance organisée par la marquise de Ganay,chez Jacques Seligmann, 23 rue Constantine, cat. exp. Hôtel de Sagan, Paris, 1913, no. 112. 

Overall very good condition consistent with age. Fine fissures in the grain of the ivory which have filled with surface dirt. The back of the Virgin, as can be seen in the catalogue photograph, shows a larger vertical fissure which has opened up.The back of the throne has diagonal scratches as well as the underside which has been drilled for attachment to a base. The silver crown is probably an early replacement and when removed reveals the crown of her head separately carved and attached. Fine traces of early polychromy to the belt
"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."

Cette Vierge est tout à fait caractéristique des Vierges en trône réalisées à Paris vers 1300-1320. L'ivoire a figuré en 1898 à l'exposition de la collection Oscar Hainauer au Staatliche Museen à Berlin (musée Bode), et en 1913, à l'exposition organisée par la marquise de Ganay chez Jacques Seligman à l'Hôtel de Sagan, rue Constantinople à Paris.

Assise sur un banc à moulures, la Vierge, sculptée en ronde-bosse, tient l'Enfant sur son genou gauche, et lui tend une pomme. L' Enfant s'accroche au col de la robe de sa mère cherchant à capter son regard. La Vierge est coiffée d'une couronne en argent, sa tête est recouverte d'un voile retombant sur ses épaules, laissant apparaître sa chevelure ondulée qui encadre son visage. Des traces de polychromie se trouvent sur la ceinture serrant sa robe à la taille. Les traits du visage sont extrêmement fins, avec les yeux en amande, les pupilles et les lèvres bien dessinées. Les mains sont finement modelées détaillant chaque doigt, même ceux, plus petits, de l'Enfant. Son manteau recouvrant les épaules laisse apparaître une tunique ceinte à la taille avec une ouverture sous le bras, et forme des plis en triangle profonds devant  et sur le côté, pour souligner les contours des genoux.

Stylistiquement l'ivoire de la collection Dormeuil se rapproche d'une Vierge allaitant l'Enfant conservée à la Yale University Art Gallery de New Haven (Randall, 1993, no. 10).

REFERENCES BIBLIOGRAPHIQUES
R. H. Randall, The Golden Age of Ivory, Gothic carvings in North American collections, New York, 1993, no. 10.

FRENCH, PARIS, CIRCA 1300-1320
AN IVORY GROUP OF THE VIRGIN AND CHILD

This ivory from the Dormeuil Collection epitomises the enthroned Virgins produced in Paris around 1300-1320. The group was included in the exhibition of the Oscar Hainauer Collection at the Staatliche Museen, Berlin (Bode Museum) in 1898 and in 1913 in the exhibition organised by the Marquise de Ganay held by Jacques Seligman at the Hôtel de Sagan, Rue Constantinople in Paris.

The seated Virgin, carved in the round, holds the Christ Child on her left knee and an apple in her right hand. The Child clutches the neck-line of his mother's dress, attempting to catch her attention. The Virgin wears a silver crown over the veil that falls over her shoulders and reveals the curly hair which frames her face. There are traces of polychromy on the belt. The facial features are very delicate with almond-shaped eyes and the pupils and lips carefully delineated. The hands are exquisitely carved. The cloak covering the shoulders reveals a tunic, which is belted at the waist with an opening under one arm and large triangular folds to the front and side, which follow the contours of the knees.

Stylistically the Dormeuil Virgin and Child can be closely compared to the nursing Virgin and Child in Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven (Randall, 1993, no. 10.)