Netherlandish, Malines, early 16th century

with remnants of a red seal and inscribed: 934 on the reverse

Overall the condition of the figure is good with some wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There is minor stable splitting to the wood consistent with the material, in particular at the Virgin's upper back. The wood is naturally slightly distressed at the back where there is a hollowed-out area with an old wax collection stamp. There is very minor worming to the wood, notably at the back and at the Virgin's drapery by her proper left leg. There are some small losses to the polychromy, notably to the drapery at the Virgin's belly, the edges of her mantle and the high points of the drapery from her abdomen downwards. There are also some slight losses to the polychromy at the edges of the sculpture, including at the proper right arm. There is minor craquelure to the polychromy, in particular at the flesh tones, as is consistent with age. There are a few small holes and a few metal pins in the Virgin's head, possibly for a lost crown. Christ's proper right hand and the Virgin's proper left hand may be reattached, and there is a slight fissure at the Virgin's proper left wrist. There is dirt and wear including some minor craquelure to the polychromy at the base. There is a number in green paint at the base: 934; and there is a hole in the back of the base and some small holes to the underside. The paint appears to be original, though there may be some areas where it has been refreshed. The black paint at the base appears to be later.
"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 beautiful Madonna and Child is one of a rare group of Malines statuettes with a stamped monogram to its base. Paul Williamson records six further Malines figures with the same stamp as that which appears on the present sculpture with symbols and the letters: I S. According to Williamson, this mark is likely to be connected with the polychromy, and has been associated with a painter named Jan Schooff or Scoofs, who is believed to have been active in Malines in the early 16th century (Williamson, op. cit., p. 120). Of the figures bearing this mark, a statuette in the Victoria and Albert Museum compares closely with the present figure (inv. no. 637-1897). Aside from following the same composition, with the passion flower in Her left hand (signifying Her foreboding of the Crucifixion), there are clear correspondences in the polychromy. The skin tones are near identical, whilst, in both, the Virgin's drapes and the base are gilded, and a dark black/brown colour has been used for Christ's tunic (which would originally probably have been silvered). The V&A example is likewise adorned with religious inscriptions on the base and bordering the Virgin's drapes.

RELATED LITERATURE
H. Godenne, Préliminaires à l'inventaire général des statuettes d'origine malinoise, présumées des XVe et XVIe siècles, Brussels, 1958, pl. IV, XI, XV, XXII; P. Williamson, Netherlandish Sculpture 1450-1550, cat. Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 2002, pp. 120-121, no. 35