Italian, Lombardy, circa 1480 A.D. Rectangular panel with cartapesta relief of Virgin and Child carved in the half-round; Mary seated, nimbate with hands pressed together in prayer, infant lying across her lap, flanked by four winged angels in poses of adoration; gilt surface with pink flesh tones; inscribed to base 'SALVE REGINA MATE[R MISERICORDIAE]' (Hail Mother the Queen). Cf. similar relief in Metropolitan Museum, accession no.1974.126.4, from North-Italy, 15th century in Castelnuovo-Tedesco, L. and Soultanian, J., Italian Medieval Sculpture in The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Cloisters, New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2010, no.51, pp.255–259. 1.07 kg, 36.5 x 27 cm (14 3/8 x 10 5/8 in.).

German private collection, 2019. Ex central London gallery. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12056-217445.

Like all the ancient and medieval statues, this artwork was also originally lavishly painted and most of the colours are still visible with gold and red and light blue being the main colours used for Saint Mary. Interestingly, the inscription recalls the three first words of the Cluny prayer to the Virgin Mary: SALVE REGINA, MATER MISERICORDIAE (Hail Holy Queen Merciful Mother), used by the Templars as a war song. [No Reserve]