ENGLISH, NOTTINGHAM, 15TH CENTURY | Relief with the Seat of Mercy

Overall the condition of the alabaster is good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The palms and raised arms of the upper angels are lost. There are some smaller losses, including to the tips of God's crown and to the edges of the lower angels' wings. There are losses to the lower edge of the relief. The top two corners are reattached. There are old mount holes to the reverse. The polychromy looks largely original; God's proper left hand may be repainted. There is a circular plug or mark behind Christ's head.
"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."

Alabaster carving and trade took on industrial proportions in England between the mid-14th and the early 16th centuries. Altarpieces with scenes from the Life of Christ and the Virgin were particularly popular. A relief with the Seat of Mercy, where the Christ on the cross is positioned between his Father's knees, often made up the central, slightly larger panel of these altarpieces. The Swansea Altarpiece in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inv. nos. A.89:1 to 8, 10 to 15-1919) is a rare survival of a complete altarpiece in its original frame; compare the central panel to the present lot. Even closer comparison can be found in a relief of the Holy Trinity, sold at Sotheby's New York, 26 January 2012, lot 256. The present lot is distinguished by the amount of surviving gilding and polychromy.