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 inscriptions on the plinths of the pair suggest that these figures were intended to represent two of the Eleven Thousand Virgin Martyrs. These women were said to have been followers of Saint Ursula who were massacred in Cologne whilst on a pilgrimage through Europe.
Related Articles
Sorry, we are unable to display this content. Please check your connection.
You have agreed to be bound by the Conditions of Sale and if your bid is successful, you are legally obliged to pay for the lot you have won. The purchase price for a successful bid will be the sum of your final bid plus a buyer’s premium, any applicable taxes and any artist resale royalty, exclusive of shipping-related expenses.
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 overall fairly good condition.
With the inevitable knocks, marks, losses, scratches and shrinkage cracks, consistent with age and use.
The decoration with losses overall, and rubbed and flaking paint throughout. Evidence of redecorationg throughout.
Dust and dirt to the crevices overall.
The smaller figure with particular losses to the face which has suffered heat damage with associate flaking and losses.
The reliquary niche lacking glass with pins present for securing.
The two similar larger figures with evidence of historic, but apparently inactive, woodworm throughout. One with brown paint mark to the forehead.
With large shrinkage splits to the sides and backs, one large which runs vertically right through the back (this example with penned number '12??' to back.
With shrinkage splits to the fronts also - one vertically through face, the other through niche and minor shrinkage to face.
Both lacking reliquary niche glass.
Retaining some original decoration but losses and flaking throughout.
Otherwise all structurally secure and decorative.
Cost calculator
Lot 12Sale 18846
Two Virgin Martyrs and a female saintSPANISH, 17TH CENTURYEstimate: GBP 2,000 - 3,000
Enter your bid amount for an estimated cost
Bid amount
Please enter numbers onlyAmount must be higher than the starting bidAmount must be higher than the current bid