Lot 30
  • 30

French, Provence or Languedoc, early 16th century

Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
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Description

  • Pietà
  • gilt and polychromed wood
  • French, Provence or Languedoc, early 16th century

Provenance

Antiques Fair, Delft, 1958

Literature

De Telegraaf, 28 August 1958, p. 7;
De Rotterdamse Courant, 5 September 1958, p. 9

Condition

Overall the condition of the wood is good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is general wear to the polychromy, including flaking. The polychromy appears to have been refreshed. There are two later added sections at the back on the proper right side. A section at the bottom of the proper left side of the back may also be later. There is evidence of past non-active worming to the wood, in particular at the back. The later sections may be repairs to losses caused by worming. There is a metal pin to the top of the Virgin's head. There is minor splitting to the wood consistent with the material, in particular to the ground at the Virgin's proper left side.
"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

The elegantly arched figure of Christ, peaceful compassionate expression of the Virgin and thick drapery that almost seems to be afloat are typical of French Pietas of the early 16th century. Other examples include a smaller stone group from Burgundy in the Louvre (inv. no. RF2505) and a slightly earlier wood Pietà from the Languedoc region, illustrated by Boccador (op.cit., fig. 215).

RELATED LITERATURE
J. Boccador, Statuaire médievale en France de 1400 à 1530, Zoug, 1974, p. 193, fig 215