Dating to about 1500, this beautiful and moving carved group depicts The Death of the Virgin or Dormition as it is sometimes referred to. She is shown lying on pillows in a bed with an arched headboard surrounded by mourning apostles one of whom is seated with his head on his elbow resting on a footpost. She may still be living, hence the term Dormition, and have held a lighted candle as a symbol of the light of the Christian faith given to dying people. The group is probably from Brabant (see the V&As "Netherlandish Sculpture 1450-1550" figure 6 for very similar carved treatment on a group depicting Saint Anne with Virgin and Child). Deeply carved, it is basically in lovely untouched condition with excellent patination and could be displayed either hanging or standing. On the back it has a small collection label with the number 506. 17 1/2 inches high x 11 1/2 inches wide x 4 inches deep.

Ref: 10900

Price: POA