1184 - Gothic Virgin Mary in prayer, crowned, central Italy or France, late 14th–early 15th century

Gothic Virgin Mary in prayer, crowned, central Italy or France, late 14th–early 15th century Carved sandstone. Dimensions: 74.5 × 28 × 20 cm. An interesting Gothic sculpture depicting the Virgin Mary in prayer, crowned and facing forward with her hands positioned in prayer and intercession. The figure wears a tunic with parallel folds and a slightly gathered mantle, with a delicately carved necklace on her chest and a carefully crafted crown of lilies—a Marian attribute associated with the Virgin’s purity and heavenly royalty. The serenity of her face, the hieratic frontality, and the schematic treatment of the drapery are reminiscent of sculptural models from the medieval tradition, spanning the late Gothic period and the early developments of the 15th century, common in both central Italy and France. The back shows more rudimentary carving, typical of sculptures originally intended for a devotional or architectural context. It retains an old patina with wear from exposure to the elements, losses, and minor imperfections consistent with its age. The artwork has been individually checked against the Art Loss Register database and is not listed as stolen or missing. Lot located in an international warehouse (within the EU). Intra-EU shipment: no import duties apply within the EU. An export permit from the country of origin may be required.