Germany, Cologne, 14th century

There is evidence of past worming to the wood throughout, which has led to some losses, in particular to the tips of the fingers of both hands. It is possible that the wood has been repolished, resulting in smooth surface overall. There seems to be a small loss to the tip of the nose, and a part of the nose has been filled with resin. The wood is carved in two sections, and a joint is visible across the back of the head, running down on both sides; the sections are held together with metal pins which are visible to the reverse. There is stable splitting to the wood, consistent with the material, including some slightly open splits, notably to the chest on the proper right side, to the hands at the front, to the proper left arm and to the bottom edge at the reverse. The little finger of the proper right hand is slightly loose but stable. There is a further slightly open split to the top of the head on the proper left side which has been filled in. Otherwise, the condition is stable, with some dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age.
"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."

While reliquary busts of Saint Ursula's Virgins with a compartment opening at the top of the head abounded in Cologne around 1350, half-length figures with arms and sealed heads were more rare. The present reliquary relates to one in the Schnütgen Museum, Cologne (inv. no. A 974), which exhibits similarly broad features and the same staccato treatment of the hair at the back. 

RELATED LITERATURE
U. Bergmann (ed.), Die Holzskulpturen des Mittelalters (1000-1400), cat. Schnütgen-Museum, Cologne, 1989, pp. 287-290

The present lot is offered with a Radiocarbon dating measurement report (ref. no. RCD-8832) prepared by J. Walker of RCD Lockinge, dated 27 January 2017, which states that the wood dates between 1052 and 1260 (95% confidence interval).