Spanish, probably Castile, late 15th century

There is dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The attribute in the Virgin's proper right hand is lost, as are both her little fingers. Christ's proper right little finger and parts of his proper right foot are lost; the crucifix on the orb is lost. The tips of the Virgin's crescent moon are lost. The polychromy is in good condition overall with general wear to the surface. Areas of the polychromy, particularly on the high points of the folds of drapery, have flaked away. In some of these areas paint has subsequently been applied to conceal them. There is stable splitting to the wood consistent with the material, in particular at the back . There are an iron pin and an iron hook in the back of the sculpture. The base is carved separately, and there are some losses to the corners and edges. There is a small pin hole in the Virgin's forehead and some losses to the polychromy at Christ's forehead. Otherwise the condition of the sculpture is good.
"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."

In the latter stages of the 15th century, Spain saw a large influx of sculptors from the Southern Netherlands and Lower Rhine region. In Spain they continued to use the Northern language of sculpture but added a range of lavish surface decorations typical of the art of their hosts in order to create some of the most splendid Catholic interiors in Europe. One of only a few named artist was Alejo de Vahia, who is thought to moved to Spain from the Lower Rhine around 1475 and carved statues for several major churches in Castile until about 1515. The present statue is likely to have been carved by a Northern sculptor; particularly the crescent shaped locks to the sides of the Virgin's head, the angular folds at her upper legs, and the curl on the forehead of Christ compare well to some of the carvings attributed to foreigners. Compare, for example, the Saint Anne with the Virgin and Child in the cathedral museum of Palencia, the facial types of the present Christ and the figures on the Dormition of the Virgin in the Diocesan Museum in Valladolid and the Annunciate Virgin formerly with Sam Fogg Ltd.