Review |
All auctions | ||
Record bids of all auctions | ||
Survey of artists |
3174
Late Gothic Madonna in the «Soft Style» with infant Jesus and sceptre
Probably France or Bohemia circa 1400 or later. Carved wood, verso hollowed, painted in polychrome colours and partially gilt. Crowned Mother of God, so-called «Beautiful Madonna» with flowing hair, expansive bowl folds, a sceptre in her right hand and the Child Jesus with a globe in her left.
H (with base)
Starting, among others, from the splendid court of Emperor Charles IV (1346-1378) in Prague, the «Soft Style» blossomed throughout Europe around 1400, which is why this style, that transcended national borders, is also referred to as the «International Gothic». The sculptures of this style are characterised by elegantly elongated proportions, a gentle, pleasing s-shaped curve in the posture, refined, exuberant cascades of folds, a gracefully inclined head and a lovely facial expression with a subtle smile. The faces of the Madonnas with small mouth, narrow nose bridge, high forehead and receding, wavy hair correspond to the courtly ideal of beauty of the time, which is why the term «Beautiful Madonnas» became established.
Condition report