Italian, Siena, late 14th century

Possibly sold at Sotheby's, 1987

J. Lorenzelli et al., Custode dell'immagine: Scultura Lignea Europa XII-XV Secolo, Bergamo, 1987, pp. 175-177

Overall, the condition of the wood is good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The proper right hand appears to have been reattached and there is glue residue visible at the edge of the proper right sleeve. It is possible that the hand is a later replacement. There is a small wood support at the Virgin's proper right hand, presumably to hold it in place. The little finger of the proper right hand and the tip of the middle finger of the same hand are lost. There is a hole between the proper right thumb and index finger which may have supported an attribute. There are a few minor chips, in particular to some of the high points. There is minor stable splitting to the wood, consistent with the material, notably to the Virgin's head and cheek on the proper right side and to the bottom edge on the proper right side and to the Virgin's shoulders at the back. There is minor wear to the gilding, including some flaking and there are small losses, in particular at the high points, such as the Virgin's nose. There are several layers of polychromy and gilding and it is likely that some of this has been refreshed at a relatively recent date, in particular some of the blue of the Virgin's dress. There is a wood board at the hollow centre at the back, which is possibly 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 elegant group of the Virgin and Child enthroned breaks with the rigid Sedes Sapientiae type by introducing a new dynamism and intimacy to the interaction between the Virgin and Her infant. The group has in the past been attributed to the early 14th-century Sienese masters Ramo di Paganello (active circa 1281-1320) and Agostino di Giovanni (circa 1285-1347) (see Lorenzelli, op. cit.). While it clearly shows some stylistic derivations from their works, a dating towards the end of the 14th century is more convincing. Compare the Virgin in Angelo di Nalduccio's Annunciation group of circa 1370 in the Museo d'Arte Sacra in Montalcino, which has sometimes been attributed to one of Agostino di Giovanni's sons, Domenico d'Agostino (Frosini, op. cit.).

RELATED LITERATURE
A. Frosini, Scultura lignea dipinta nella Toscana medievale: Problemi e metodi di restauro, San Casciano, 2005, pl. 5b