Mullany

Madonna and child, Ulm

Director Nicholas Mullany explained:
‘For the 60th edition of BRAFA and our 4th participation, we wanted to highlight the timeless beauty of objects of faith.

Retaining much of its original polychrome and gilding, the quality and state of preservation of the flowing drapery of this work is exceptional, the craquelure exquisite. The Virgin is clothed in a red undergarment and a magnificent full length heavy gold coat with blue lining and a red-blue decorative border with floral motif, the fabric billowing to fall in sharp deep folds to the floor, the material gathered underneath the Christ child to reveal also the full length folds of the red underclothes.

Created between 1470 and 1480 in Ulm, one of the most important centres for Southern German sculpture at the time, this beautifully proportioned group was carved with hollowed back and almost certainly stood originally as an altarpiece, probably commissioned for a private chapel. Its high artistic and technical merit combined with its excellent original condition and sublime craquelured drapery makes this object of devotion a museum quality example of Ulmer masterly carving of the late 15th century.

The serenity and intrinsic allure of this superb work enable it to be placed equally well in both traditional settings and in the most contemporary of homes.’

Limewood, with original polychrome and gilding
Southern Germany, Ulm, c. 1470 – 1480
H 81.5 x W 24 x D 17.5 cm

Exhibited by London based Haute Époque dealer, Mullany, stand n° 110