A fine South Netherlandish polychrome painted iron-stone keystone carved with shield bearing angel, Brabant late Gothic, 15th century

the shield painted with the coat-of-arms of Gerard van Diest (1380-1420), founder of the monestary of Diest, and later IHS monogram

With the Carthusian monestary Sint Jansberg at Zelem, near Diest.

Oude kunst in privébezit, Diest 1976, cat. no. 23, p. 10.
De Karthuizers en hun klooster te Diest, Diest 1984, pp. 56 and 288.
Sakralkunst aus Brabant. Das niederländische Museum van Gerwen-Lemmens (Valkenswaard) präsentiert seine Sammlung in Deutschland, Städtisches Kramer-Museum, Kempen 1982, cat. no. 2, p. 8.
Engelen, Museum van Gerwen-Lemmens, Valkenswaard 1982, ca. no. 18, pp. 54-55.

F.J. Raeymakers, Historische oogslag op het voormalig Karthuizerklooster te Zeelhem, in: Noord en Zuid 2, 1863, pp. 412-413.

In overall good condition. Some small chips to the raised parts of the carving (such as tips of wings, hair, nose, folds of garments, edges). Losses to the polychromy. One larger restored shallow chip to the shield (circa 10 by 14cm.) with related minor losses.
"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."

This keystone originates from the Carthusian monestary of Sint Jansberg (founded 1328) at Zelem, near Diest. Large parts of the monestary have been demolished and reconstructed in the 19th century, the inventory thus having been scattered. In 1863, the historian F.J. Raeymakers describes three keystones as located in the 15th century chapter house, among which the present one. Another keystone, equally depicting an angel, is now being preserved at the local Museum at Diest, the third, depicting Saint Margaret, has disappeared.