Marie-Madeleine classified as a National Treasure

18/11/23 - National Treasure - France - Here is a work of immediate appeal, whose rarity and historical importance for medieval sculpture have often been hailed by specialists: proposed at Azur Enchères in Cannes on June 14th, accompanied by a rich notice but also a surprisingly low estimate [1] - €20/30,000 - due to Cabinet Fligny, this superb Marie-Madeleine was logically sold for the substantial sum of €330,000 hammer price, or €429,000 with costs. The winning bidder, a foreign dealer, had the pleasant but brief surprise of not seeing any French museum preempt this work (ill. 1 to 3), but they have just made up for it, since the Journal Officiel of Sunday November 5 informed us that his application for an export certificate - submitted on June 29, i.e. well after the sale [2] - was just as logically refused by the members of the Commission consultative des trésors nationaux meeting on October 18.

1. Attributed to the Master of the Lautenbach Altarpiece, circle of Nicolas de Leyde
Saint Mary Magdalene, c. 1470-1480
Carved basswood - 55.5 cm
Sold on 14/6/23 in Cannes
Photo: Azur Enchères

See the image in its page

2. Attributed to the Master of the Lautenbach Altarpiece, circle of Nicolas de Leyde
Saint Mary Magdalene, c. 1470-1480
Carved basswood - 55.5 cm
Sold on 14/6/23 in Cannes
Photo: Azur Enchères

See the image in its page

At first glance, this graceful limewood sculpture comes to us in a very good state of preservation, despite a few small missing pieces and, above all, the passage of wood-eating insects. No matter! Despite the pitting on the entire surface, duly noted in the condition report, the work has lost none of its quality. While the question of attribution will undoubtedly fascinate specialists, connoisseurs will appreciate its beautiful face, the folds of its dress and the elegant cascade formed by its abundant hair. The Commission praised its "plastic strength", despite its modest dimensions, which…