The Nursing Madonna, Gothic, North-Eastern France, middle of the 14th century. Photo Koller Auctions

Limestone, sculptured all around, verso partially flattened and with remains of paint. Verso inscribed 17 in white ink and bearing the red inventory number 32523... on the base area. Minor chips. H 75 cm. Estimate CHF 25,000 / 45,000 | € 20,830 / 37,490. Sold for CHF 36,000.

Provenance: private collection, Lugano. 

Expertise: 
- technical expertise by Prof. John Larson, 24 March 1997, confirming that the work stems from the early 14th century. 
- examination of the pigment residue by Dr. Paolo Cornale, Consulting Scientific Group Palladio, Milan, 8 February 2001. The pigments examined are dated at ca. 1350. 

Koller Auctions. 27 March 2014 - www.kollerauktionen.ch