carved in high relief and hollow at the back, holding a crosier in his left hand, a church in his right, cloak held at his neck by a later morse

This bishop has been striped of a paint surface and exhibits worming and wear consistent with age. The lower 1/8th of the bishop's mantle it discolored possibly from water damage. The staff and morse are later replacements and the saint is missing his left thumb. There are chips, cracks and worming.
"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."

This sympathetic depiction of a young Bishop Saint incorporates many stylistic elements reminiscent of Tilman Riemenschneider's work. Although it cannot be attributed to the workshop of the master, it was undoubtedly carved by a sculptor who was intimately familiar with the master's oeuvre.  The physiognomy of the present figure, including the slanted almond-shaped eyes, hollow cheeks, aquiline nose, pointed mouth and cleft chin, makes a particularly prescient comparison to Riemenschneider's bust of a Bishop Saint (c. 1515-1520, limewood, Samuel H. Kress Collection, National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.).

Saint Wolfgang (d. 994) was born in Swabia, Germany, and studied in Reichenau under the Benedictines and as well as in Wurzburg.  In 972 he was ordained bishop of Regensburg by Emperor Otto II.  He was recognized for his zeal and political savvy: reforming the diocese and monasteries and championing the plight of the poor. He was canonized in 1052 by Pope St Leo IX.

RELATED LITERATURE
J. Chapuis, Tilman Riemenschneider: Master Sculptor of the Late Middle Ages (London, 1999) p. 332