Mosan, early 13th century

Given the age of the sculpture, its condition is good overall. The Virgin's proper right forearm and the Child's proper right arm are lost. The polychromy is largely lost; there are remnants of polychromy in a few areas including the Child's proper left hand, his hair, and the Virgin's hair. There is stable splitting to the wood consistent with the material, including slightly open splits to the Virgin's proper right side, her proper right knee, her proper left arm, the throne at her proper left side, and the underside. There are a few minor losses due to non-active worming, including to the Virgin's shoulders, chest and headdress. There are various chips to the edges. There is a metal pin to the back at the bottom.
"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 serene wood carving of the Virgin and Child follows a composition often referred to as Sedes sapientiae, an arrangement which has its roots in the Byzantine tradition of presenting the Virgin frontally, enthroned, with the Christ Child seated on Her left leg. The Sedes sapientiae composition was central to the Marian cult during Romanesque times, with the Virgin appearing in her dual role both as Mother of God and of man, simultaneously presented with Christ seated on Her knee, whilst being enthroned as Queen of Heaven.

The present carving closely recalls Mosan Virgin and Child groups from the first decades of the 13th century. Compare particularly with the masterful polychromed wood and gem-set Sedes Sapientiae from the Church of Saint-Jean Évangéliste in Liège, which dates to the 1230's (Timmers, op. cit., fig. 234). Note the same heavy drapery with multiple folds, and the way in which the Virgin creates a cradle for the Infant Christ by holding Her mantle in Her left hand. Compare also with the polychromed and gilt wood Sedes Sapientiae from the church in Zolder, Limburg (circa 1225-1250), in which the Virgin wears a similar pleated chemise with round neck (Art mosan..., op. cit., p. 208, no. 368). A strong comparison is found a group in the church of Saint-Georges à Leffe, Dinant (circa 1220), in which the Virgin has the same ovoid facial shape and, again, the heavy folds of drapery, which fall around broad feet.

Note also the Mosan or North French mid-13th-century ivory Virgin and Child Enthroned sold in these rooms on 4 December 2013, lot 33. This group shares the same sense of weight and volume in the heavy folds of drapery, which fall about the Virgin's feet. The arrangement of Christ's feet, with His right leg resting by the Virgin's right knee is also similar, whilst the Virgin has the characteristic oval facial structure. The present group is distinguished by the beautifully carved drapery between the Virgin's legs and about Her feet. Rarely, it preserves traces of original polychromy, at Christ's left hand, at the Virgin's hair, and in some of the folds of drapery.

RELATED LITERATURE
Art mosan et arts anciens du pays de Liège, exh. cat. Liège, 1951, p. 208, no. 368; J. J. M. Timmers, De kunst van het Maasland, vol. ii, De Gotiek en de Renaissance, Assen, 1980, pp. 143, 146-147, figs. 234, 235; R. Didier, 'La Vierge assise à l'enfant (Sedes Sapientiae), Millénaire de la collégiale St-Jean de Liège, exh. cat. church of St-Jean de Liège, Liège, 1982, pp. 123-140, figs. 9 and 11