Attributed to the workshop of Tilman Riemenschneider (1460-1531) German, Franconia, first half 16th century

Overall the condition of the reliefs is good with dirt and wear to the surfaces consistent with age. The surfaces have lost a varnish or polychromy. There is non-active worming to the wood. There are a few small losses to both reliefs: St Nicholas: a loss to the right side of the hat and a possible loss to the bottom; Deacon: the proper right hand is lost, there are a few small losses to the edges, there are losses to the bottom console. In addition, on the Deacon relief, the drapery on the left side comprises a separately carved panel.
"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."

Tilman Riemenschneider’s distinctive style loomed large over Franconia in the first half of the 16^th century.  His vast workshop produced a number of independent masters who flocked to the far corners of the land to satisfy the demand for Riemenschneider-style sculpture. The workshop in Würzburg, meanwhile, continued producing sculpture under Riemenschneider's son Georg (or Jörg) after the master's death.

The present figures are likely to have been produced by an associate of the great master of German limewood carving. They compare well to a St. Lawrence and St. Urban in the Mainfränkisches Museum, Würzburg (inv. nos. 14178 and 32695) and the juvenile features of St. John the Evangelist are reminiscent of Riemenschneider own youths, such as the sleeping St. John on the altar piece in the parish church in Detwang.

RELATED LITERATURE
H. Muth, Tilman Riemenschneider. Die Werke des Bildschnitzers und Bildhauers, seiner Werkstatt und seines Umkreises, cat. Mainfränkisches Museum, Würzburg, pp. 182-185, nos. 43 and 44; W. Schneider (ed.), Tilman Riemenscneider – Werke seiner Glaubenswelt, exh. cat. Museum am Dom, Würzburg, 2004, p. 45, fig. 20