Northern French, second half 15th century

Frau Dr. Lilli Fischel, former Director and Curator of the Kunsthalle Karlsruhe
and thence by descent

There are chips to the crown, nose, proper left side of the face, proper right side of the neck and around the truncation consistent with the object's fragmentary nature and age. There may be some restorations to the face around the proper right cheek. There is some further wear and minor dirt to the surface consistent with handling. The forehead is slightly weathered. Otherwise the condition of the head is stable; the decoration on the crown and texture of the veil and hair is well-preserved.
"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."

Compare another head of the Virgin in the Musée Dobrée in Nantes illustrated by Boccador (op.cit., fig. 368).

RELATED LITERATURE
J. Boccador, Statuaire médiévale en France de 1400 à 1530, Zoug, 1974, vol. II, p. 328, fig. 368

This lot is sold with an expertise by Adolf Mehringer dd. 30 April 1979.