French, Burgundy, circa 1490

Given the age of the sculpture, the condition is good overall, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The polychromy and gilding appears to be original, and there is general wear overall, in particular at the high points, such as the red drapery above the legs. The top of the staff appears to be lost. There are some chips and losses to the book, including a loss to the top left corner, and there are losses and general wear to the edges of the base. There are also some chips and minor losses to the edges of the drapery, particularly the edges of the red mantle on the proper left side, and a loss to the red mantle on the proper left side towards the bottom. There are some general surface abrasions and some chips to the top of the head and to the locks of hair, as well as some small chips to the edges of the hat.
"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 beautifully carved and evocative figure of St James exhibits the stockiness and heavy, rounded, folds of drapery associated with Burgundian sculpture from the 15th century. The face, with deep ocular orbits, prominent eyelids, high cheekbones and forked beard, is remarkably close to the figure of Nicodemus from the Mise au Tombeau in Semur-en-Auxois, commissioned by Jacotin and Pernette Ogier circa 1480-1490. The group has been associated with the famous sculptor Antoine Le Moiturier (1425-1495) who was responsible for the Tomb of Philippe Pot, now in the Louvre. Compare the present figure also with the Burgundian 15th-century stone St James in the Louvre (inv. no. RF1615).

RELATED LITERATURE
J. Boccador, Statuaire medievale en France de 1400 à 1530, Paris, 1974, pp. 262-272, fig. 294a