Lot 1003 Dα

Michael Pacher, attributed to

A figure of the virgin and child attributed to Michael Pacher

Wood, carved in the round. With old and partially original polychromy. This fine sculpture is fully carved on all sides, indicating that it may in the original location have been viewable in the round. The Virgin stands in balanced contrapposto with a crescent moon, partially obscured by the hem of her gown, lain at her feet. The Child is held above the Virgin's left hip and wears a long robe, a scepter was probably held in his missing left hand. The drapery of the Virgin's white veil and her long curls are subtly depicted, and the outline of Her body beneath the folds of Her girded robe and heavy golden cloak are also masterfully carved. The sculpture is traditionally brought into connection with the works of Michael Pacher, who was active in Bruneck in South Tyrol in the last third of the 15th century. The similarity in the general composition of the piece and the face of Mary to a statue of the Virgin in the parish church of St. Lorenzo dated to around 1465 support this attribution.
The Virgin's left forearm, the Child's right arm and one of his fingers lost. A small crack to the back of the plinth. Losses to the crown, but generally minor wear. Height 72 cm.