Lot 1416 Dα

Ostdeutsch circa 1370/1380

An East German limewood figure of the Virgin Enthroned, circa 1370/1380

Carved three-quarters in the round, the reverse flattened and hollowed out. Remains of presumably original polychromy. A figure of the crowned Virgin seated on a plain throne, designed for a frontal and slightly lowered viewpoint. She holds the nude Christ Child slightly raised upon Her knee, embracing Him with Her left arm. The work’s composition is largely dominated by the drapery of the Virgin’s garments. She wears a plain gown, which falls in compressed folds to Her feet. Her floor-length cloak is held together at the neck by a round clasp and forms prominent curving folds in her lap, whilst its intricately curving seams end above the Virgin’s knees, emphasising the slight movement of Her pose.
The left part of the throne abraded. The Virgin's right hand, the Child's left hand and parts of the crown lacking. Several fine vertical cracks, breakages to the plinth. Mounted on a flat wooden socle. Height 94 cm (without socle).