Circle of the Master of Elsloo (active circa 1500-1530) Netherlandish, Limburg, circa 1510-1515

There is dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are remnants of original polychromy. There is stable splitting throughout the wood consistent with material, including three larger splits: to the Virgin's neck, to the proper right side and back of the Virgin, and through the middle of St Anne's body from her chest to her feet. There are a few wood inserts and possible restorations to some of the splits. There are a few losses due to splitting, in particular to St Anne's drapery and to the Virgin's drapery at the bottom and on her proper right side. The Virgin's hands are lost (separately carved inserts, possibly, later, remain) and St Anne's proper left arm is lost. There are a few chips to the edges of the drapery. There are a few small drill holes, including to St Anne's proper left side and to the back. There may be restorations to the back of St Anne's head. There are a number of knots in the wood, the largest is visible to the underside at the centre. There is a small peg at the front near the ground in the centre.
"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 Master of Elsloo was identified by J.J.M. Timmers in the 1940s. The styles of the hair and headdress and the elaborate drapery from the original groups compare well to the present carving.

RELATED LITERATURE
C. Ceulemans, R. Didier and J. Gerits, Laat-gotische beeldsnijkunst uit Limburg en grensland, exhib. cat. Provinciaal museum voor religieuze kunst, Sint-Truiden, 1990, p. II.38-41, nos. 52-55