LOT 329
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Lot 329
A FINE GOTHIC OR GOTHIC STYLE MADONNA AND CHILD CARVED AND POLYCHROME WOOD FIGURAL GROUPING, GERMAN. A highly stylized carved group, executed in three quarters round with deep angular folds and traces of original gilding and polychroming. The young Christ resting in the lap of the Virgin holding a pomegranate, the Virgin holding a heart. Height 16.6 inches (42.2 cm).
Estimate:
$800 - 1,200
€ 560 - 840
The pomegranate is a symbol of the resurrection and the hope of eternal life. Because of its abundance of seeds, it can also symbolize royalty and the church, where the seeds represent the many believers who make up the one universal church. The pomegranate symbol derives from the ancient myth of Properspina and her annual return to earth in the spring. Christianity adopted this theme, with the pomegranate associated with the Resurrection of Christ and of believers instead of the annual resurrection of crops. The seeds bursting forth from the pomegranate are also likened to Christ bursting forth from the tomb. In Christian art, the pomegranate is often held by the Christ Child (such as in this example) and in paintings of the Madonna and Child, such as the famous example by Botticelli titled the Madonna of the Pomegranate now housed in the Uffizi Gallery.
All items are sold “AS IS” and there will be no returns based on condition. The items sold are often of considerable age and will exhibit wear, usage and damage often not listed in the catalog entry. The absence of condition remarks in the catalog entry DOES NOT mean the item is in perfect condition. Prospective buyers are in ALL CASES responsible for determining the physical condition of lots. No employee or agent of Jackson's International Auctioneers and Appraisers is authorized to make on our behalf or on that of the consignor any representation or warranty, oral or written, with respect to any property. Therefore, if a prospective bidder has not examined the property to their satisfaction before the sale, or his/her agent has not inspected the property, Jackson's recommends that they not bid on the property. All dimensions are approximate. The condition of frames is not guaranteed.