Lot 19
  • 19

English, circa 1420

Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Three panels with the Crucifixion, the Virgin Mary and Saint John the Evangelist
  • stained and leaded glass, within a wood frame
  • English, circa 1420

Provenance

private collection, Belgium, acquired circa 1950s;
and thence by descent

Condition

Flashed red glass, blue, and clear glass with silver stain set into new leads. General corrosion and fine pitting to interior and exterior of glass consistent with age and carbon or pollutant damage. Areas of paint abraded or faded, otherwise the surface is in stable condition. Various breaks mended with a combination of string and strap leads. Evidence of some widening of the panels through added architectural elements. The condition of each panel as follows: Left The four top right panels and one of the top left panels of the architectural canopy above the head of the figure replaced with new glass. The right-hand column support re-sited using associated glass. A series of fine yellow strips running down the right hand side of the red cloth are additions. One section of the cloth at right hand side replaced. Three sections of the figure's lower drapery replaced. The book perhaps displaced. Centre Two sections of the architectural canopy above the head of the three figures are new. The top right-hand section of the blue cloth background replaced. A series of thin strips of clear glass running down the right hand side of the panel are re-sited from elsewhere. Two lower sections of the left-hand supporting column re-sited. Some rearrangement to the blue background including lower left filets of patterned blue glass which are inconsistent with the rest of the background. Right Six large sections of the architectural canopy above the head of the figure are new replacements. The lower left section of the figure's drapery is later glass of a different tone. The top-right hand filet of the blue cloth is replaced. A break in two places across the neck of John replaced with strap leads.
"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."

Catalogue Note

Small windows devoted to the Crucifixion were regular features in medieval churches and chapels from early Gothic times onwards but very few complete examples can be found on the open market. Compare the treatment of the physiognomy as well as the drapery of the Virgin and Saint John typical of the International Gothic with that of the figure of Henry Rumsworth in St. Etheldreda Church, Horley, Oxfordshire dated to between 1416 and 1420.

RELATED LITERATURE
P. Newton, Corpus Vitrearum Medii Aevi. A Catalogue of Medieval Stained Glass. Great Britain, Vol. I, the County of Oxford, London, 1979, pl. 28a