Attributed to the workshops of Domenico Gagini (active c. 1449 - 1492) Italian, Sicily, circa 1460

overall condition good with some wear. Probably waxed at a later date.
"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 Gagini were an Italian family of sculptors, masons and architects.  One branch of which originally came from Bissone and was active in Genoa from the 15th century. Domenico, one of the most innovative members of the family, however, settled in Siciliy between 1458 and 1463.  His branch remained active in Palermo until the 17th century.  His style is marked by the influence of early Renaissance sculpture in Lombardy and it is likely that many of his studio assistants were from that region.  The distinct and delicate facial features, wavy hair and drapery style evident in the present relief can be compared to several works attributed to the family, including the Madonna and St. John the Baptist (see: Kruft, 1980, no. 189, 190), which is also similar to a relief formerly attributed to Antonio Perolo (Trinity Fine Art exh. cat., winter, 1988, p. 4, no. 1). The present relief also shares similarities with a marble of the Virgin and Child in Los Angeles (Los Angeles County Museum of Art, no. 49.19.3) which has been tentatively attributed to a sculptor from the Lombard region.

RELATED LITERATURE
W. R. Valentiner, 'The Early Development of Domenico Gagini', Burlington Magazine, vol. lxxvi (1940), pp. 76–87; E. Arslan, ed. Architetti e scultori del quattrocento (Como, 1959); F. Negri Arnoldi, 'Revisione di Domenico Gagini', Boll. A., vol. lx (1975), pp. 18–29; B. Patera, 'Scultura di rinascimento in Sicilia', Storia dell' arte, 24/25 (1975), pp. 151–8; R. Pane, Il rinascimento nell'Italia meridionale, vol. ii (Milan, 1977), pp. 302–7; H-W Kruft, Antonello Gagini und seine Söhne, Munich, 1980