FRENCH, LIMOGES, FIRST HALF 13TH CENTURY | Corpus Christi

Edmund de Unger, London;
his sale, Sotheby's New York, The Keir Collection of Medieval Works of Art, 20 November 1997, lot 49;
private collection, Germany

Overall the condition of the copper is good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is rubbing to the surface, which has led to much of the gilding being lost. There are a few minor losses to the enamel, particularly at the centre of the perizonium. There is some applied padding to the reverse at the feet.
"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 unusually small and rare corpus belongs to a group categorised by Thoby (op. cit.) as 'Type II'.

RELATED LITERATURE
P. Thoby, Les croix limousines de la fin du XIIe siècle au début du XIVe siècle, Paris, 1953