North Italian, Probably Lombard, early 16th century

hands clasped in prayer

Sotheby's London, 7 July 1999, lot 59

There is a small section to the lower right side replaced, a larger section to the lower left side has been restored. There is a later cut-out section at the top back, probably to treat worming. There are small losses and restorations around the base, the polychromy and gilding have been refreshed with some losses. There are some minor vertical cracks to the wood. The edge of her cloak on the right side is chipped. There is a round hole above the little fingers of her clasped hands. There is a crack and some restoration to the left wrist. There is some minor worming.
"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 representation of the Virgin has not been truncated but was, as is now the case, kneeling, with her hands clasped in prayer.  When offered for sale in these rooms in 1999 a later section to make her a full length figure had been added and has subsequently been removed.  Originally she would have been either paired with the angel Gabriel as part of an Annunciation group or alternatively part of an Adoration, facing the infant Christ in a manger on the ground before her.  For Lombard examples of such groups see the Valtellinese exhibition catalogue.

RELATED LITERATURE
Scultura lignea Sacri in Valtellina e Valchiavenna e preziosi tra Gotico e Rinascimento, exh. cat. Museo Valtellinese di storia e arte (2005) no. 10, p. 84, nos. 23 & 24 p. 116-20