A 15th century gothic chandelier is the headline lot of Sotheby's Old Master Sculpture and Works of Art auction in London on July 10.

Valued at £200,000-300,000 ($337,120-505,680), the piece is one of only a handful known to have survived until the present day.

The chandelier is thought to have been produced in Germany during the 16th century

This example is thought to have been produced in the Bavarian city of Nuremberg due to the fineness of its casting, which is a hallmark of metalwork produced in the region.  

A Virgin Mary stands in the central pillar, with a series of arms sprouting leaves arrayed outwards. Similar examples can be found in Europe's most prestigious museums, including the V&A.

A statue of St John the Baptist attributed to 15th and 16th century sculptor Jan Crocq is likely to prove another highlight.

The lot carries an identical estimate of £200,000-300,000 ($337,120-505,680) and dates to around 1500-1510.

Crocq worked in the court of Bar and Lorraine in northern France, which was among the most powerful states in Europe during the time.

The vast majority of his works adorned churches and tombs, yet very few have survived.

The discovery of a series of sketches produced prior to the French Revolution offered historians the opportunity to study his personal style - with the result that a number of formerly anonymous sculptures can now be attributed to him.

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