Southern Netherlandish, probably Brabant, circa 1500

With Galerie Edouard Bresset, Paris

Overall, the condition of the wood is good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is a varnish to the surface throughout. There are some minor losses, including to the prongs of the Virgin's crown, one of the corners of the seat, and to the proper left toes of the child. There is evidence of past worming in areas, which has led to further minor losses, including to Christ's proper left hand at the book, to the Virgin's hair on the proper left side, and to the Virgin's proper left sleeve. There are several worm holes in St Anne's abdomen and chest, which are filled. There is some stable splitting to the wood, consistent with the material, notably one between St Anne's legs and the terrasse, which has been filled. There is a metal pin to St Anne's veil on the proper right side. There are joints visible around St Anne's fingers on the proper right hand, it is possible that the fingers have been replaced. There are 2 circular areas of wax fill to St Anne's veil on the forehead. One prong of the Virgin's crown is loose.
"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."

Compare Saint Anne's heavy wimple with central fold, straight nose and small chin to a figure of Saint Anne, sold in these rooms, 9 July 2004, lot 12. This treatment of the wimple, seeming almost overly large in relation to the face, is a recurring motif in Brabant wood sculpture, and can also be seen in a figure of Saint Gertrud of Nivelles in the Suermondt-Ludwig-Museum in Aachen (op. cit., no. 136), which compares further in the drapery around the feet.

RELATED LITERATURE
E. Grimme, Europäische Bildwerke vom Mittelalter zum Barock, cat. Suermondt-Ludwig Museum Aachen, Cologne, 1977, no. 136, fig. 125