French, Lorraine, possibly Toul, circa 1360-1370

Gerard "Boy" Lommen, Borgloon;
and thence by family descent

Overall the condition of the wood is good. There is some wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There is rubbing to the gilding and polychromy throughout and there are some areas of flaking to the edges of the reverse of the throne and the proper right hand. There is some minor worming to the surface consistent with age, particularly to the proper right side of the Virgin and Her throne. There is one minor stable split to the lower edge on the reverse consistent with material. The proper right hand is probably replaced. There is an old iron hook to the reverse for mounting.
"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."

Gothic walnut carvings from the North of France have only come down to us in small numbers. The present statuette is attributable to the Lorraine region because it compares with stone sculptures such as a statue of the same subject in the Musée des Arts Decoratifs in Paris (inv. no. 14170) which, in turn, is closely related to two statues from Toul illustrated by Schmoll (op.cit., nos. 430-431). Walnut clearly liberated the sculptors as the present statuette shows the Virgin and Child with more movement than usual, more voluminous drapery and some wonderful flourishes such as the Virgin's veil, the cloth held by the Child at Her chest and His bent knees and feet.

RELATED LITERATURE
J. A. Schmoll gen. Eisenwerth, Die lothringische Skulptur des 14. Jahrhundert, Petersberg, 2005, p. 636, no. 432