German, Cologne, circa 1320-1330

Sotheby's Amsterdam, 21 February 2006, lot 193

Overall the condition of the wood is good. There is wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There are small losses to the paint throughout including to the Virgin's nose. There is some worming, which has led to several losses on the throne which have been partially repared with wax. There is some stable splitting to the reverse consistent with material. The Virgin's proper right hand is loose and it is missing a section of the attribute it holds. Two struts have been added to the reverse.
"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."

The present lot is part of an important group of  wood sculpture which is thought to have originated in Cologne's Dombauhütte (cathedral workshop). Around 1310 major changes were made to the cathedral's choir stalls and high altar. The sculpture that was added marked a break with stylistic tradition and inspired many further church refurbishment projects in the Lower Rhine area during the following decades. 

Works from the group are readily recognisable by the broad, smiling faces and symmetrically arranged hair. The standing Child, the cushioned bench and the polygonal base are furher characteristics. Other such Madonnas are kept in Cologne's Schnütgen-Museum (inv. nos. A60, A65 and A832) and in the Germanisches Nationalmuseum in Nuremberg (Nos. PL. 20, 21 and 25).

RELATED LITERATURE
U. Bergmann, Die Holzskulpturen des Mittelalters (1000-1400), cat. Schnütgen Museum, Cologne, 1989, pp. 253-4, no. 56, pp. 258-61, no. 59 and pp.263-5, no. 62; H. Stafski, Die Mittelalterlichen bildwerke Band 1. Die bildwerke in Stein, Holz, Ton und Elfenbein bis um 1450, cat. Germanischen Nationalmuseum, Nuremberg, 1965, pp. 210-213, nos. 188-90