Walnut Virgin of the Annunciation carved in the... Lot 30

Walnut Virgin of the Annunciation carved in the round with traces of polychromy. Mary stands with her right hand on her breast and her other hand holding an open book, between whose pages she has slipped her index finger; broad face with slit eyes, full cheeks and pouting mouth; she is clad in a simple-necked dress and a mantle with a wide front flap, probably hanging from her belt; deep, supple folds staggered under the left arm, thick and slightly arched at the back. Burgundy, entourage of Claus de Werve (Haarlem, ? - Dijon, 1439), early 15th century H. 60 cm (erosion on the top of the head and some worming on the lower part) The angel of the Annunciation would have been the counterpart to this Virgin with a recollected expression. It undoubtedly belongs to the Burgundian production of the early 15th century, still strongly influenced by the great Claus Sluter (Haarlem, circa 1355 - Dijon, 1406), whose style was continued by his nephew Claus de Werve. For example, the highly original attitude of this Virgin, presenting the book she has stopped reading, completely open against her right hip, is a repeat of that of weeping figure no. 5, part of the procession at the tomb of Philip the Bold, Duke of Burgundy (fig.). Claus de Werve contributed to this first tomb, built between 1384 and 1410, and completed the work following the death of his uncle. We also find the physiognomy of the faces, typical of this school, as well as the style of the drapery, heavy and supple. Book consulted : - Exposition Dijon-Cleveland 2004/2005, L'art à la cour de Bourgogne, Musées des Beaux-Arts - The Cleveland Museum of Art, cat.