Estimates do not reflect the final hammer price and do not include buyer's premium, any applicable taxes or artist's resale right. Please see the Conditions of Sale for full details.
The earliest inscription on this sheet, in the upper right corner in a German hand, can be dated to the late 15th century and is near-contemporary with the print. It reads: Nu[n]c lege nu[n]c ora nu[n]c cu[m] fervore labora Nu[n]c co[n]templa[r]e nu[n]c scripturas meditare No[n] sis in pausa ne mortis sis tibi causa Sic erit hora brevis et labor levis
Just below this is an early 16th-century ownership inscription: Ao 1518 Michi […] Dno Georgi Pobeidezas […]
The inscription in Greek to the right of the saint reads: γνῶθι σεαυτόν ('know thyself')
The partially legible inscription to her left is roughly translatable as 'nothing is granted to God that isn’t given by God’: phi […] ad cognita[s] […] nullus ad deu[m] accedit ex se nisi […] datur a deo
The inscription on the hem of her dress refers to the moon and the night: ultra concavi[…] orbis lune nocturnalis […]
We are grateful to our colleague Eugenio Donadoni from the Books & Manuscripts department for deciphering these inscriptions.
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Condition report
A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.
The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
In addition to the catalogue description: - with wide margins on three sides, a narrow margin with small losses along the right edge. - the colours stong and well preserved, the gum arabic partially lost. - a small, skilfull repair to the Saint's right eye, with a small infill and tiny touches of pen and ink, but most of the lines defining the eye original. - a narrow vertical paper split across the lower left half of the sheet. - some minor paint losses in places, mostly in the green below. - three small Latin inscriptions in brown ink in the blank background at left and right, another small inscription on the hem of her dress at lower left. - several similar inscription in the upper margin, including one with the date 1516, and one in the lower margin. - various spots of adhesive staining in the upper and lower margins and along the sheet edges. - the wooden board in good, solid condition, with evidence of metal furniture (removed), the calf leather with some wear. Otherwise as described and generally in very good condition for a print of this age and size.
On request, a professional conservation report of the treatment around the Saint's eye is available from the department.
Cost calculator
Lot 1Sale 20187
Saint Catherine of AlexandriaANONYMOUS GERMAN, 15TH CENTURYEstimate: GBP 10,000 - 15,000
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