Flemish, possibly Antwerp, 17th century

Overall the condition of the wood is very good. There are splits at the bottom and back of the group and at the Virgin's right hand consistent with material. The little finger of the Virgin's right hand is missing as are several fingers from the Child's right hand. The left hand of the Child is an original addition. One of the knots at the back has been pegged.
"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 sensitively carved boxwood group of the Virgin and Child was intended for private devotion.  The overall composition and elegant balance of the group find close parallels in the work of the followers of  the Antwerp sculptor Peeter Verbrugghen.  The Madonna's triangular-formed face and almond shaped eyes compare well to the an ivory Virgin and Child preserved in the Rijksmuseum and attributed to P. Verbruggen's pupil Matthieu van Beveren.  The present work also demonstrates similarities with the large scale sculpture of Verbruggen's son, Hendrik-Frans Verbrugghen, specifically the Virgin and Child on a Cresent Moon in St. Bernards, Bornem.  The child, however, relates directly to children by Lucas Faydherebe. 

RELATED LITERATURE
C. van Herck, 'Hendrik-Frans Verbrugghen, Antwerps beeldhouwer, 1654–1724', Jb. Antwerpens Oudhdknd. Kring, xvi,1940, pp. 19–80; Beeldhouwkunst in de eeuw van Rubens, exh. cat., Brussels, 1965, pp. 266-267, no. 267; U. Kulturmann et al.: 'Matthieu van Beveren', Europäische Barockplastik am Niederrhein: Grupello und seine Zeit, Düsseldorf, 1971, pp. 262–5; C. Theuerkauff: 'Anmerkungen zum Werk des Antwerpener Bildhouwers Mathieu van Beveren (um 1630–1690)', Oud-Holland, lxxxix, 1975, pp. 19–62