French, mid-14th century

private collection, Italy;
their sale, Sotheby's London, A private passion for the Renaissance, 29 October 2003, lot 10;
private collection, Belgium

Overall the condition of the wood is good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is wear to the polychromy throughout including flaking. There are a few small losses to the polychromy at the faces. There is stable splitting to the wood consistent with the material, in particular to the Virgin's face, back, base, and throne at the back. There are some losses to the base, in particular at the back. There are some restored splits in the Virgin's drapery by the proper left leg. There are one or two small lacunae at the back. There are two small holes in the top of the Virgin's head. A section of the front of the base is carved separately. There may have been some minor worming in the past, as there are a few small filled holes in the drapery at the front by the legs. The crucifix from Christ's orb is lost.
"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."

Many characteristics found in the work of sculptors employed in Eastern France, specifically Champagne and Lorraine in the second and third quarters of the fourteenth century, can be seen in this tender group of the Virgin and Child. Note the faces of both the Virgin and the Child, the treatment of the drapery with deep long folds clearly outlining the Virgin's knees and with similar treatment to the Child's swaddling clothes.

RELATED LITERATURE
J.Boccador and E. Bresset, Statuaire médiévale de collection, Milan, 1972, vol 2, p. 27, fig. 12; J.A. Schmoll gen. Eisenwerth, Die Lothringische Skulptur des 14.Jahrhunderts, Fulda, 2005, nos.189, 356 and 407