Maestro di San Niccolò

The illustration of this tender 14th Century panel is representative in colour, though the catalogue illustration is a little too bright. The single panel has a slight convex bow and is presented in an engaged and tabernacle frame with some small chips and knocks. There is a small paint loss (visible in the catalogue) under Jesus' chin. The paint surface is secure and is abraded in some areas; the punchwork has lost its definition in some areas. There is a discoloured patch of retouching to the Madonna's cloak. The figures of Jesus above, the infant Jesus and the female saint to the right appear well preserved. Inspection under ultraviolet light shows the aforementioned retouching to the Madonna's cloak and also to her halo; other strengthenings and retouchings fluoresce.
"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."

Il Maestro di San Niccolò fu identificato da Richard Offner in un pittore fiorentino di estrazione orcagnesca, attivo nella seconda metà del secolo XIV. In occasione della Mostra del Tesoro di Firenze Sacra nel 1933, Richard Offner ricostruì il corpus pittorico del Maestro di San Niccolò, tra le cui opere più significative compare il trittico raffigurante una Madonna con Bambino e santi della chiesa di San Niccolò a Firenze. Si vedano: R. Offner, "The mostra del tesoro di Firenze Sacra: 1", in The Burlington Magazine for Connoisseurs, vol. 63, n. 365, August 1933, pp. 72-84; M. Boskovits, Pittura fiorentina alla vigilia del Rinascimento: 1370-1400, Firenze 1975, pp. 211-212.

Ringraziamo il professore Everett Fahy per aver suggerito l'attribuzione al Maestro di San Niccolò sulla base di materiale fotografico.