Italian, Tuscan, circa 1400

with attached corpus, on velvet covered wood stand  

Traces of gilding. Left hand of Christ broken at the wrist and held by a later pin. On what was formerly the front of the cross (now the back) there is evidence of modern solder and a sheered bolt. Losses to the knops on the terminals of the cross with a whole one missing above Christ's head to the right. Minor distortion to the upper terminal, probably caused when dropped. The corpus and the cross do not appear to be associated but there is always the possibility.
"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."

The corpus has been incorrectly re-attached to the back of the cross where the terminals of the arms are engraved with the symbols of the evangelists with the Lamb of God in the centre. On the side where the corpus should be, God the Father is above the titulus, the Virgin and St. John flanking, with the skull beneath.

This cross can be compared with one illustrated by Volbach in the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin catalogue, described as Italian, fourteenth century.

RELATED LITERATURE
W. F. Volbach, Mittelalterliche Bildwerke aus Bildwerke und Byzanz (Berlin, 1930) no. 1999, pl. 11