Lot 415
  • 415

After a drawing by Michelangelo Buonarotti 1475-1564

Estimate
5,000 - 8,000 USD
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Description

  • Descent from the Cross
  • gilt bronze relief
  • height 10 3/8 in., width 8 5/8 in.; 26.3 cm, 22 cm

Condition

Losses and some casting flaws (cracks) throughout. Losses to parts of ladders, to hand of climbing figure on the right, and hand of top figure on right-hand ladder, and to some tips of fingers and edges of drapery. Nice detail.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

RELATED LITERATURE

Montagu 1989, pp. 56-57

The present composition is derived from a drawing by Michelangelo in the Teylers Museum, Haarlem.  It is likely that Guglielmo della Porta was responsible for transforming the design into low relief and Montagu notes that a model of the Descent from the Cross by della Porta was known to be in Roma after della Porta's death (Montagu 1989, op. cit., pp. 56-57).

Versions in wax, stucco, terracotta and bronze are known.