Bought by an American buyer in a sale held by Daguerre on December 12, it was among a string of strong prices for traditional art and antiques in the Paris high season (see also News Digest page 8-9).
The 19½in (50cm) high statuette of the patron saint of music, carved en ronde bosse, is attributed to the Flemish sculptor, Gil de Siloe c.1500.
Although relatively little is known about him – he is thought to have been born in Antwerp in 1440 and died in Burgos around 1501 – he was the principal exponent of late Gothic sculpture working in Castile for the Catholic monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella.
This figure of St Cecilia compares to others by him sharing the same seated position and clothing that falls in complex, deep folds. An object of private devotion intended for a high-status Castilian patron, it has survived in a fine state of preservation, say the auctioneers.
