German, Lower Rhine, circa 1400-1410

private collection, Breslau;
with Senger Bamberg, 2001;
private collection, Belgium

R. Karrenbrock, 'Kölner Bildschnitzerwerkstätten des späten Mittelalters (1400-1450)', Die Holzskulpturen des Mittelalters II, 1. Teil 1: Koln, Westfalen, Norddeutschland, cat. Schnütgen Museum, Cologne, 2001, pp. 10-11

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 and craquelure. There is minor stable splitting to the wood consistent with the material. There is particular splitting running down the back of the sculpture, where there are also some original wood inserts. There are two knots in the wood in the Virgin's lower back on the right side, consistent with the material. There is a small knot to the centre of the Virgin's abdomen. There is some particular wear to the locks of hair on Christ's forehead. The feather of Christ's quill may be reattached. The Virgin's sceptre is composed in two sections, so that it can slot into the hand. The crown is carved separately. The top of the Virgin's head is also carved separately, and there is an original plug in the centre. There are one or two small chips and losses to the Virgin's drapery.
"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."

Karrenbrock places the present sculpture at the onset of the development of 15th century sculpture in Cologne. Combining the softer style of such statuettes as the Virgin and Child carved in Cologne circa 1380-1390 in the Thyssen-Bornemisza collection with the latest developments of the International Gothic, the sculptor of this fine shrine figure embellished the drapery with more pronounced and richly varied folds. The inventive way in which Christ is posed on his mother's arm contributes to the refined beauty and playful nature of this sculpture.

RELATED LITERATURE
P. Williamson, Medieval sculpture and works of art, cat. the Thyssen-Bornemisza collection, London, 1987, pp. 104-106, no. 19