Southern German or Austrian, early 16th century

Overall the condition of the wood is good, with some wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There are a few minor losses, including to strands of hair above the forehead and to the beard. There is a hole to the top of the head and there is some evidence of past worming, in particular to the back. There is wear to the gilding and polychromy throughout, including losses at the high points and craquelure and some flaking. A section of the cloak below the proper right arm appears to have been reattached and some glue residue is slightly visible around the joint. There probably was a now-lost attribute in the proper right hand. There is a metal hook on the reverse.
"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."

Saint Roch, born to a rich French family in Montpellier in the mid-13th century, donated all his worldly possessions to the poor and the sick, and went on a pilgrimage to Rome. On his way there, he is said to have nursed and cured several victims of the bubonic plague. When he contracted the deadly disease himself, he moved to a secluded area and was cured there by an angel and a dog. During the later Middle Ages, St Roch was invoked against the plague, and his cult would often gain momentum during plague outbreaks, such as in Malines in the early 16th century. According to tradition, he had a boil caused by the plague on his upper thigh: therefore, depictions of this saint, as in the present lot, often show Roch lifting his garments to expose his upper leg. 

The present lot compares to a pair of figures of Saints Bartholomew and Jude in the Rijksmuseum (inv. no. R.B.K. 15504a), especially in the folds of drapery across the arm, the curls of hair and the narrow nose. The Rijksmuseum figures are dated circa 1515, and described as probably Austrian.