Circle of Guido Mazzoni (circa 1445-1518) Italian, Bologna, late 15th/ early 16th century

With Apolloni, Rome

The sculpture is a wonderfully modelled fragment originally from a larger group. There is dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. Both arms are lost, the proper right from below the elbow and the proper left from the upper arm. The back has been left open and there is a hollow in the head (all original). There are some chips and losses to the terracotta including around the base and to the drapery on her proper left side. There are some newer losses on the lower proper left side. There is a particular loss to the projecting foot. There are some small chips in the hair and some small lacunae in the terracotta. Much early polychromy survives. There is wear to the polychromy with losses mainly around the base of the statue. There are stable firing cracks to the interior, consistent with material and age, including an horizontal one to the interior middle. There is a loss to the back on the right side near the base.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This poignant figure of a wailing Mary Magdalene would have once formed part of a terracotta group lamenting the Dead Christ. Such groups, characterised by contorted poses and a high level of emotion, flourished in Emilia-Romagna in the second half of the 15th century, led by Niccolo dell'Arca's famous masterpiece in the church of S. Maria della vita in Bologna. The present figure can be associated with the work of Niccolo's contemporary, Guido Mazzoni. Her pose and expression is particularly close to his Mary Magdalene from the church of S. Anna dei Lombardi in Naples, and the same subject in the Chiesa del Gesu in Ferrara. Compare also the fragmentary bust of Mary Magdalene that survives in Padua.

RELATED LITERATURE
T. Verdon, The Art of Guido Mazzoni, New York and London, 1978, figs. 23 and 67; G. Bonsanti and F. Piccinini (eds.), Emozioni in terracotta: Guido Mazzoni, Antonio Begarelli, Sculture del Rinascimento emiliano, exh. cat. Foro Boario, Modena, 2009, p. 136