Brussels Limestone Corbel with Woman and Pilgrims. c.1460 A.D. A substantial limestone corbel with heavy pigmented surface depicting a scene of a standing woman in wimple and robe bending to wash the feet of a seated figure in pilgrim's robes with head uncovered and hands clasped in prayer; behind the female, an archway revealing a sleeping male figure; behind the pilgrim, a pair of men in similar clothes, one with a staff; the upper face irregular hexagonal, the lower face with a moulded rosette. 25 kg, 34 cm (13 3/8 in.) Galerie Ratton-Ladrière, Paris, until 2013. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate no.11265-189572. The image probably represents the medical building and dormitory of a convent in which wayfarers were offered basic hospitality including the opportunity to rest, wash and tend to their feet. The scene may evoke in its symbolism the biblical passage (in the Gospel of Luke) in which the feet of Christ were washed by Mary of Bethany and dried with her hair. [No Reserve] Cf. the Gothic sculpture in Walters Art Museum representing Christ washing the feet of the Apostles, accession number 71.179.