Lot 12
  • 12

WORKSHOP OF FRIEDRICH PACHER (ACTIVE CIRCA 1474-AFTER 1508)SOUTH TYROL, LATE 15TH CENTURY | Virgin and Child enthroned

Estimate
35,000 - 50,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Virgin and Child enthroned
  • gilt and polychromed limewood
  • 90cm., 35½in.

Provenance

Private collection, Germany

Literature

L. Andergassen, Kunstraum Südtirol, Bozen, 2007, p. 110

Condition

Overall the condition of the sculpture is very good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The polychromy and gilding has been refreshed and is worn in some places. There is some minor worming, particularly around the base. Due to worm damage, there are two replaced vertical sections to the bottom left corner, visible at the back. The demi-figure of an angel in this section is probably replaced. There are three areas of canvas support to the back and minor areas of canvas suport to the base. The pear and the tip of the Virgin's middle finger of her proper left hand may be replaced.
"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

Attributed to the workshop of the painter Friedrich Pacher by Andergassen in 2007, this tenderly sculpted group clearly reflects the influence of his master, but no relation, Michael Pacher (1435-1495), as in his Virgin and Child in the Parish Church of St. Lorentzen-Pusterstal, illustrated by Müller (op. cit.). The modelling of the hair, the intricate crown and the treatment to the drapery are distinctive. Friedrich Pacher would have worked closely with sculptors when undertaking his commissions for large altarpieces. Andergassen attributes further groups to the workshop of Friedrich Pacher, including the once painted figure of Saint Margaret in the Cloisters, Metropolitan Museum New York (inv. no. 63.12.2). Formerly in the parish church of Saint Margaret im Dorf, Neustift near Brixen, the Cloisters Saint Margaret displays a very similar pose, tilted head and bold drapery to those seen in the present, impressive group, which would almost certainly have been originally placed in the central shrine of an altarpiece.  

RELATED LITERATURE
T. Müller, Gotische Skulpturen in Tirol, Bozen, 1976, pl. 112; W. D. Wixom, 'Medieval Sculpture at the Cloisters', Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin, vol. XLVI, no. 3, Winter 1988-1989, p. 26