Circle of Antoine le Moiturier (1425-1495) French, Burgundy, circa 1480

There is wear to the polychromy throughout and some of the polychromy may be refreshed. There are a number of losses: to the edges of the drapery, particularly at the front and proper left side (it is possible that a larger section in front of the proper right leg and another from the drape falling from the proper left hand to the viewer's right are lost); to some of the corners of John's book. The proper right index finger is restored and the tip is lost. A large section of the drapery to the back on the proper right side is reattached. The proper right foot is possibly reattached/ restored. There are chips to the edges of the base. There is a small hole in the proper right sleeve and a lacuna underneath the arm. Otherwise, given the age of the sculpture, the condition is good.
"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."

Wearing a short sheepskin tunic under a cloak which falls in soft V folds, the bearded St John holds in his left hand an open book on which rests the reclining Lamb of God. With the pointed index finger of his right hand the saint gestures to the onlooker. The figure can be stylistically compared with the figure of St John the Baptist in the Musée Rolin, Autun illustrated by Boccador and tentatively attributed to Antoine Le Moiturier.  Note also the figure of St John in the churches of St Pantaleon d'Autun, d'Arconcey and Villey-en Auxois as well as that in the Louvre, all illustrated in the Dijon catalogue. 

RELATED LITERATURE
La Sculpture Bourguignonne en Auxois et en Autunois à la fin du XVe siècle, cat. Musée de Dijon, Dijon, 1974, pl. XXXIV, XXXVI; J. Boccador, Statuaire Médiévale en France de 1400 à 1530 ,Paris, 1974, vol. I, figs. 360-361