Lot 11
  • 11

PROBABLY GERMAN, LOWER RHINE, MID-14TH CENTURY | Saint Nicholas Enthroned

Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 GBP
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Description

  • Saint Nicholas Enthroned
  • polychromed walnut
  • 72cm., 28 3/8 in.
  • Probably German, Lower Rhine, mid-14th century

Condition

There is some dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The proper right forearm is lost. There are a few further losses, notably to the bottom edge. There are some more minor losses, in part due to past worming, including to the nose and chin. There is further evidence of past worming at the mitre, the chest, around the feet, and at the back. There is wear to the polychromy throughout, including areas of loss, notably to the high points of the face, to the chest and to the knees. There is also flaking and craquelure to the polychromy, including to the face. There is some stable splitting to the wood, consistent with the material, in particular to the proper right side of the head, the abdomen, and the bottom edge. There is a dark coating to the back, and there appears to be a translucent varnish, or waxing, to the whole figure.
"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."

Catalogue Note

RELATED LITERATURE
U. Bergmann, Die Holzskulpturen des Mittelalters (1000-1400), cat. Schnütgen-Museum, Cologne, 1989, p. 344, no. 105

A Radiocarbon dating measurement report (ref. no. RCD-9039) prepared by J. Walker of RCD Lockinge, dated 23 January 2018, states that the wood dates between AD 1220 and 1275 (95% confidence interval).