German, Cologne, circa 1330-1340

with an illegible inscription in white chalk underneath the throne ending with the date: A^o 1695 and with a label inscribed: Ausstellung für christliche Kunst Düsseldorf 1909 and numbered: 668, A76 and A. Ch. K. no. 1

with Kunsthandlung Heinemann, Wiesbaden, 1931;
private collection, Germany, 1931;
and thence by family descent

Düsseldorf, Ausstellung für christliche Kunst, 1909, no. 1

Overall the condition of the group is good with wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There are at least three layers of polychromy of different dates, all of which have losses and areas of flaking including to the faces and particularly at the Virgin's proper right shoulder and around the base. There is some worming to the surface consistent with material, particularly around the base. There is some naturally occurring splitting, some of which is slightly open and has caused losses, particularly along the silhouette, at the underside and to the pillow. The Virgin's proper right wrist and hand and the Child's proper right hand are replaced. The board on which the group sits may be an addition even though the inscription suggests it was there at the end of the seventeenth century. The group needs to be placed on a base in order to stay upright. Sotheby's can provide the base used during the exhibition upon request.
"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."

This attractive Madonna and Child is one of a group of Sedes sapientiae made in Cologne in the 14th century, each of which are characterised by their smiling faces, cushioned thrones with polygonal bases, and the standing Christ Child. These groups are heavily influenced by the changes which were made to the choir stalls and high altar of Cologne Cathedral circa 1310. The sculpture that was added marked a break with stylistic tradition and inspired many further church refurbishment projects in the Lower Rhine area during the following decades. Compare the present sculpture with the Cologne Sedes sapientiae, dated to before 1330, in the Schnütgen Museum, Cologne (inv. no. A65); note the same girdled dress, and thick drapery with swallow tail folds, falling around the feet. Comparison should also be made with the slightly later Madonna and Child, catalogued as circa 1350, in the same museum (inv. no. A64).

RELATED LITERATURE
R. Breuer, 'Ausstellung für christliche Kunst. Düsseldorf. Mai bis Oktober 1909', Deutsche Kunst und Dekoration, XXIV, no. 1, 1909, pp. 313-346; E.G. Grimme, Europäische Bildwerke vom Mittelalter zum Barock, Köln, 1977, p. 16, no. 9, fig. 8; U. Bergmann, Die Holzskulpturen des Mittelalters (1000-1400), cat. Schnütgen Museum, Cologne, 1989, pp. 27-63, 258-261, 316-320, nos. 59, 89