Netherlandish or Burgundian, 15th century

with an old paper label to the underside inscribed: 2371 and the remains of an illegible old dealer's label printed in red ink

Kunsthaus Lempertz, Cologne, 13-16 May 1994, lot 304

The angel comes from a larger ensemble. There is dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. Traces of original polychromy survive. There is a filled section to the back at the proper right side. There are possible restorations to the sleeves. There are losses to the base, including at the front below the knees, and to the back below the feet. There are losses to the fingers and to the tips of the feet. There are a few small chips to the drapery. There is a hole to the proper right thigh and a few smaller pits to the drapery. There are very minor losses to the hair and the tip of the nose is lost. Otherwise the condition is good overall.
"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 kneeling figure would have originally formed part of an altarpiece or monument. It would have been placed on the left hand side representing the man who commissioned the church or chapel for which the ensemble was intended. A donor figure beneath the Seated Christ, dated to circa 1500, in the Eglise de Chaource, and a similar figure at the foot of St. James, 1520, in Neuvy-Sautour, both in the Aube region of present-day Northeastern France, compare well to the present figure (see Boccador, op.cit.).

RELATED LITERATURE
J. Boccador, Statuaire medievale en France de 1400 a 1530, Zoug, 1974, vol. II, figs. 170 and 260