Gothic carving. Spain, XV century. Lot n° 2

Gothic carving. Spain, XV century. "Virgin in majesty with child". Carved wood. Polychrome lost. Measurements: 69 x 29 x 22 cm. The Gothic carving that concerns us presents a close relationship with the Flemish models of the time. It is a piece entirely made of wood, with its lost polychromy, of half bulk, that is to say, it is not worked on the back. From this fact we deduce that it would have been fixed on a flat surface, probably as part of a sculptural altarpiece or attached to a mullion. It represents the Virgin in majesty with the Child, an image that follows the prototype of the western façade of the church of Notre Dame de Paris, now disappeared, whose model influenced other contemporary schools in Europe. It is an advanced Gothic piece, as indicated by the disposition of Mary's mantle, which, being gathered on both sides of the waist, originates a V-shaped fold on the front. Although it is not preserved, in her right hand the Virgin could hold a bunch of grapes, symbol of the Eucharistic wine, towards which the Child would extend his right hand as a sign of acceptance of the sacrifice, while holding a book in his left hand. It is a piece of great refinement, especially reflected in the treatment of the vestments.