A LATE 15TH / EARLY 16TH CENTURY LOWER RHINE OR NETHERLANDISH POLYCHROME DECORATED LIMESTONE BUST OF THE VIRGIN the carved stone bust with original painted decoration (refreshed in some places), wearing a blue veil and red mantle, her eyes downcast and looking to sinister, later mounted on an ebonised plinth, 27cm high x 26cm wide The exaggerated facial features of the Madonna are reminiscent of the polychrome oak sculptures produced in the Lower Rhine in the early 16th century, with wide set, heavily lidded eyes.