SOUTHERN NETHERLANDISH, PROBABLY LOUVAIN, CIRCA 1500 | Corpus Christi

Private collection, Belgium

Overall the condition of the wood is good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The sculpture is composed in sections; the arms are carved separately and stable original joints are visible and they are joint to the shoulders with pins, there are some losses to the wood around the joints. The fluttering terminals of the perizonium are carved separately, joints are visible and there are wood pins and holes. There is stable splitting to the wood consistent with the material, including vertical splits running down the right and left sides of the body. Three of the proper right fingers are lost, and there are losses to three of the proper left fingers and the thumb. The proper left little finger and one of the proper right fingers are reattached. There is a large plug at the centre of Christ's abdomen. There are various losses to the crown of thorns, and there are various small holes. There is particular stable splitting to the wood at the back, and there is a hole to the wood at the buttocks.
"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."

With its elongated face, thin locks of hair and long nose, the present Corpus is most likely to have originated in Louvain, where this type of face appears frequently. Compare to a figure of Saint Anthony Abbot at Museum Catharijneconvent (inv. no. ABM bh442). Further comparison can be found in a Calvary Group in the church of Saint Dymphna in Geel, Belgium, publised in Steyaert (op. cit. p. 165). With its large size and detailed carving - note particularly the drapery and the wound in Christ's side- the present Corpus makes for an imposing whole and a remarkable survival. 

RELATED LITERATURE
J. W. Steyaert, Late Gothic Sculpture, the Burgundian Netherlands, exh. cat. Museum voor Schone Kunsten, Ghent, 1994, p. 165, fig. 31a