Lot 384
- 384
A South German silver and gilt copper reliquary in the form of the Virgin and Child, dated165[?]4 on the base, Augsburg
Estimate
15,000 - 25,000 USD
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Description
- Silver and gilt copper
- 22 in.; 56 cm.
struck with the Augsburg town mark under the lower lefthand cherub, inscribed around the silver frame of the glazed compartment: *de camisia B[eatae] Mariae. V* [irginis], the bottom edge of the base inscribed: P[redicator].F[rator]. Ioseph Ms.Fatti Lect[or]:& Pred[icator]. Gen[eral]. Donavit AD. 165[?]4.
Condition
General, standard surface abrasions and dents. There are some small holes and stable original casting cracks including below Madonna's neck and around her proper right shoulder to her upper back. Some holes near cherub to the left of Madonna's proper left leg at base. Implement in Madonna's hand lacking. Crown possibly original but reattached. The gilt copper base with loose plate where silver group is attached. The whole needs more secure attachment of parts. Good quality and well executed. Very attractive.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
Silver figural reliquaries were popular in South Germany from the 15th century onward. Many of them were donated to churches or monasteries or were used for private devotion. Compare two related groups (Augsburger, op. cit.,figs. 232-233) with similar facial types and floral repoussé decoration. It is likely that a wood model was used to form and decorate the present piece.
The inscription around the reliquary compartment reads: "From the Tunic of the Blessed Virgin Mary”🌃. This refers to the tunic of Mary (Sancta Camisia), now preserved in Chartres Cathedral, which the Virgin was apparently wearing when giving birth to Jesus. The inscription around the base reads: “The Friar Preacher (i.e. Dominican) Joseph Maria [….], Teacher, Preacher, and Minister-General [of the o🌌rder] donated [this reliquary] in the year of Our Lord 16[?]4”.
The present reliquary was bless🀅ed in 1977 by the Cardin🅠al of Munich, Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI.
RELATED LITERATURE
Augsburger Barock (exh. cat.), Ratthaus und 🙈Holbeinhaus, June 15 to October 13, 🥀Augsburg, 1968, cat. nos. 447 and 523, figs. 232 and 233